COPD
COPD is a term used for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an “obstructive disease”, meaning that airflow coming out of the lungs during exhalation is blocked. The blockage of airflow with COPD ,makes it very difficult for a person to breathe. Over time,
COPD get progressively worse because doctors have not yet found a cure. COPD affects more
Than 5% of the adult population, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United
States and worldwide. 4 With COPD, a person will usually have two main medical conditions that limit airflow.
These conditions are known as emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Emphysema causes the elasticity of the lung tissue to be lost. The alveolar walls
Also,

depending on the severity of the disease, a patient may have blue or gray lips and nails, an

altered mental state, and an increased heart rate.9 If a person has any of these symptoms for any

significant amount of time, they should see a doctor, and have tests ran to see if they have

developed COPD. Catching COPD in early stages is beneficial to the patient, because their

providers will be able to manage the disease more efficiently. Management and prevention of

further lung damage is the key to living a longer life. In addition, patients should receive general

advice on healthy living, including diet and exercise.5

References

1. National Heart Lung and Blood Institue. What is COPD? http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/. Published June 1, 2010.

2. Mayo Clinic. Enphysema.. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/emphysema/DS00296. Published April 29,2011.

3. Michael Gregory. Respiratory System. http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/michael.gregory/files/bio%20102/bio%20102%20lectures/Respiratory%20System/respirat.htm. No publishing date.

4. Greg L. Schumaker, MD, Scott K. Epstein, MD. Managing Acute Respiratory Failure During Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Respiratory Care. 2004; 49(7): 766-782. http://www.rcjournal.com/contents/07.04/07.04.0766.pdf. Published July, 2004

5. Global Initiative for