Definitions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
characterized by chronic airflow limitation.
range of pathological changes in the lung.
significant extra pulmonary effects.
and important comorbidities which contribute to the severity
of the disease in individual patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD should be regarded as a pulmonary disease. https://dishdoctor.top/Significant comorbidities must be taken into account for
the assessment of disease severity and in determining
appropriate treatment.
Introduction
COPD generally refers to
emphysema (alveolar wall destruction )
chronic bronchitis (chronic cough for at least 3 months
for 2 consecutive years)
- Involves inflammation and fibrosis.
- primarily caused by cigarette smoking.
- Asthma can clearly coexist in patients with COPD.
- pattern of airway inflammation in asthma differs
from that which occurs in COPD
Epidemiology
prevalence of COPD more than doubled between
1990 and 2002. fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Related to the aging of the population and past smoking behavior
Risk Factors
cigarette smoking. occupational dusts and chemicals. indoor and outdoor air pollution. respiratory viruses. human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Genetic factors. Age
Consequences of COPD
- reduction in quality of life.
- increased risk for respiratory infections.
- progressive dyspnea on exertion.
- side effects from COPD medication use.
- cardiac failure.
- Pulmonary hypertension