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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( Copd )

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The following report is a case study of an 86 year old male suffering respiratory distress as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Case details: 86 year old male patient. Suffering respiratory distress due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Exacerbation of SOB with onset of coughing fit.
PR 140
BP 160/90
SP02 85%.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a broad term for people who suffer the chronic respiratory diseases chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the small airway passages that leads to reduced airflow. Emphysema is the destruction of the alveolar walls resulting in minimised gas exchange and limiting airflow through the airways11. COPD is a progressive disease that can be attributed to an abnormal inflammatory response from the lungs as a result of long term exposure to noxious particles and gasses, primarily caused by cigarette smoking.
From information obtained from credible academic and industrial resources, this report focuses on the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology and pre-hospital treatment of COPD in Australia in order to obtain a superior knowledge of the condition.

2.0 Epidemiology of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Epidemiology as defined by the World Health Organisation is the study of distribution and causes of illnesses and health related events. The results of the study are used to help control the illness or sickness1. It is vital to the medical industry as

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