Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Essay

As the number of smokers are rapidly increasing recently, the number of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is also gradually increasing. It is one of the most common chronic diseases and is considered to be one of the five leading diseases following heart disease, pneumonia, HIV and AIDS worldwide (GOLD, 2004). Smoking is the main cause of COPD. However, long term exposure to chemical fumes and air pollution could also cause COPD. This essay is all about how COPD affects individual, family and society as a whole across their lifespan. Also, it discusses the role of a nurse in caring patients with COPD.

First step preventing COPD is to know how it affects the body and the path taken; this is called the pathology. In normal, healthy breathing a person breathes in air that is moves through the bronchial tubes to the bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles there are air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are elastic air sacs that control the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to the body (Smoking, 2016). The alveoli consist of elastic tissue so when a person breaths in the the alveoli can expand and when the carbon dioxide is released it can deflate and return to it’s normal size.

The cause of COPD is from long term smokers and also from people who smoke marijuana which increases a higher risk of COPD. Normally it begins with a cold or infection of the pharynx. Chest pain along with coughing having shortness of breath, and wheezing

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is in the top five principal cause of death in the U.S. The disease is an abnormal inflammatory reaction in the lungs with limited airflow. COPD characteristically arises around the age 35. Smoking continues to be the main source of COPD, but is not the only known root cause. In many studies, smoking explanations for at least three fourths of COPD cases ("Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | University of Maryland Medical Center," n.d.). Stopping smoking has been known to improve lung capabilities and help to prevent death from COPD. Genetic conditions and introductions to airborne toxins, irritants and gasses are correspondingly involved in the growth of the illness. A complete treatment plan could comprise of lifestyle changes, one or more medications, patient education, oxygen therapy respiratory rehabilitation, and surgery ("Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | University of Maryland Medical Center," n.d.).

COPD is almost always caused by smoking, or second hand smoke. The tobacco smoke irritates the airways and destroys the fibers in the lungs. Breathing in chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution over a long period of time may also cause it. It usually takes a long time for the lung damage to start causing symptoms, so COPD is most come in people who are older than 60.

These diseases are mainly caused by the use of tobacco, but also can be triggered from pollution in the air. People who are in contact with second-hand smoke may also experience COPD. Other risk-factors include poorly ventilated homes and fuels that burn during cooking. People 40 years of age or older and have some history of smoking are at increased risk for developing this condition. More than 11 million people are diagnosed with chronic obstruction pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is major leading cause of morbidity and mortality in United States. There are some risk factors for COPD like age and smoking and other illnesses, often leading COPD patients to present with multiple coexisting comorbidities. COPD exacerbations and comorbidities plays a major role in the overall severity in individual’s health. The management and the medical intervention in COPD patients with comorbidities need a holistic approach. All of the health care specialists in COPD management need to work together with professionals specialized in the management of the other chronic diseases in order to provide a multidisciplinary approach to COPD patients with multiple diseases. A patient M. A. 72 years

Cigarette smoking is the most common cause, but air pollution and asthma can also cause COPD

The most common cause of COPD is smoking, since inhaling tobacco smoke for a long time destroys the lung tissues and irritates the airways. However, second-hand smokers seem to be in danger, as well.

The prognosis of COPD is variable, depending on how bad the COPD is. “Some people with very mild COPD, if they can stop smoking and they can take of themselves, shouldn’t have any shortened life expectancy” (Rodriguez & Sohrabi, 2015). Those with moderate to severe COPD or who developed the disease at an earlier age tend to have more issues as they grow older. By taking a proactive approach and being open to asking for help and support, you can effectively manage COPD (Rodrigues & Sohrabi,

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to portray dynamic lung sicknesses including emphysema, constant bronchitis, unmanageable (non-reversible) asthma, and a few types of bronchiectasis. This malady is described by expanding shortness of breath (What is COPD?). Many individuals botch their expanded shortness of breath and hacking as an ordinary piece of maturing. In the early phases of the infection, you may not see the side effects (What is COPD?).

Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of COPD. Most patients diagnosed with COPD are smokers or have smoked in the past. Prolonged exposure to substances that cause lung inflammation or other exasperations, such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust, can also contribute to a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Let us first discuss your recent diagnosis of COPD. You may have wondered what COPD is and what caused it. Excellent questions! COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). Chronic inflammation obstructs your airflow, resulting in trouble breathing and excess mucus production. So what exactly causes that chronic inflammation? Cigarette smoke and other noxious gases cause this inflammation in your lungs and airway (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016). Not everyone who smokes gets COPD. Also, not everyone who has COPD smokes. Workplace exposure to noxious gases can also lead to COPD. Additionally, there is a genetic disorder that causes an underproduction of a lung protecting protein (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2016).

The risk factors of COPD include genetic factors as well as environmental causes. The chief risk factor for COPD is smoking; which also includes people exposed to enormous amounts of secondhand smoke. However, there are certainly other causes that can increase the risk of a person developing the disease such as dust and chemicals. Long term exposure to their fumes, vapors or particles can also cause the swelling of lungs (Eisner et al., 2010).

There are many factors that contribute to the diagnosis of COPD. Smoking is the most common cause behind the disease. According to Healthline Networks,