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Strategies For COPD

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COPD: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention Strategies COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation found in the airways lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature (Huether and McCance, 2012). The pathogenesis of COPD is complex and involves many mechanisms. However, the primary process is inflammation (Huether and McCance, 2012). The inflammatory process starts with inhalation of toxic particles and gases. The airways become inflamed, resulting in excess mucus production; Peripheral ways undergo repeated cycles of injury and repair of the airway walls with resultant structural remodeling (Huether and McCance, 2012). The lungs can be inflated quickly but can only partially deflate.
Implementing Diagnosing Strategies for COPD in a Clinical …show more content…

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (2011) lists a summary of recommended treatment by each stage. The primary goal of care for the COPD patient are to prevent disease progression, relieve symptoms and improve exercise tolerance and prevent and treat complications, promote patient participation, prevent and treat exacerbations, improve quality of life, and reduce mortality risk (GOLD, 2011). Because these patients are susceptible to respiratory infection, I would routinely send reminders when influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are available for my COPD patients as a preventive …show more content…

She was treated for URI twice within the last two months and still complains of increased drainage. She has a medical history of COPD, and current medications include daily Spiriva and Ventolin as needed. She also states that recently she becomes short of breath more quickly and feels sad that she cannot do many of the activities that she used to do. No recent PFTs were available at the time of appointment. However, judging by her increased symptoms, decreased activity levels, and susceptibility to frequent URIs her COPD seems to be worsening. This patient is likely suffering from COPD

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