What is the pathophysiology of COPD?
Pathophysiology is the evolution of adverse functional changes associated with a disease. For people with COPD, this starts with damage to the airways and tiny air sacs in the lungs. Symptoms progress from a cough with mucus to difficulty breathing. The damage done by COPD can’t be undone.
What is the pathophysiology of COPD exacerbation?
The main etiologic factors in acute exacerbations are thought to be viral infections, bacterial infections, and air pollutants. Recent studies have shown that about one-half of COPD exacerbations are associated with viral infections, the majority of which are due to rhinovirus (32–36).
What are the 2 pathologies under COPD?
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD . These two conditions usually occur together and can vary in severity among individuals with COPD .
What are 3 pathophysiological causes of airflow limitation in COPD?
Processes contributing to obstruction in the small conducting airways include disruption of the epithelial barrier, interference with mucociliary clearance apparatus that results in accumulation of inflammatory mucous exudates in the small airway lumen, infiltration of the airway walls by inflammatory cells, and …
What is COPD Slideshare?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders COPD is a [preventable and treatable disease with some significant extra pulmonary effects that may contribute to the severity in individual clients. It is characterized by airflow limitation that is not completely reversible.
How do you explain COPD to a patient?
What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-lasting lung disease where the small airways in the lungs are damaged, making it harder for air to get in and out. COPD is called obstructive because it limits the flow of air into and out of your lungs.
What happens in COPD?
With COPD, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and thicken, and the tissue where oxygen is exchanged is destroyed. The flow of air in and out of your lungs decreases. When that happens, less oxygen gets into your body tissues, and it becomes harder to get rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide.