NURS MISC - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Summary.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which a person has difficulty breathing. This is due to lung damage over the years usually from smoking. COPD is most often a combination of two diseases:  Chronical bronchitis: In chronic bronchitis, the airways through which air enters the lungs (bronchi) are in a state of inflammation, with a lot of mucus being constantly produced. The walls of the bronchi are thickened, which may cause a narrowing of the lumen (obstruction) of the respiratory tract. In this state, it is extremely difficult for a person to breathe.  Emphysema. In emphysema of the lungs, the walls of the alveoli are damaged and lose their elasticity. As a result, the useful area of the lungs for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between blood and inhaled air decreases. The result of insufficient oxygen supply to the blood is shortness of breath, which a person feels like a lack of air. Over time, COPD tends to get difficult in terms of management. Once the process of lung tissue damage has begun, it is impossible to stop it. But you can take steps to slow the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, as well as improve the well-being of a person suffering from COPD. Early detection of COPD is the key to effective treatment and control. Talk to your doctor about your risk of COPD if any of the following happens:  Smoke or have a history of smoking: About 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD are caused by cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoke can weaken the defense of your lungs against infections, narrow the airways, cause swelling in the respiratory passages and destroy the pulmonary alveoli.  Air pollution exposure: Air pollution, as well as irritating dust and fumes, especially at work, can also cause COPD.