CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)`

Introduction

This paper is based on the case study for Jackson County. The Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has affected Jackson County and has caused a huge degree of human suffering throughout the world. COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and sixth leading cause of death globally. It is a major public health threat throughout the world and afflicts millions. COPD is a disease where airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema makes breathing difficult (Jenkins, 2003). When COPD occurs, it decreases the ability of the lungs to take in oxygen and remove excess carbon dioxide.

COPD is progressive and not fully reversible despite available treatments. COPD can be caused by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, small airways disease, or a combination. As COPD progresses, the smaller airways and alveoli within the walls of the lungs lose their innate elasticity and collapse (Schachter, 2003). This closes some of the smaller air passages and narrows larger ones. Most of the air passageways fill with mucus, and as air continues to reach the alveoli when the lungs expand during breathing, it becomes trapped and cannot leave the lungs upon exhalation. This is a disease that reduces lung capacity. A main contributing factor to COPD is environmental exposure to inhaled toxins, smoking, and secondhand smoke (Hansel, Barnes, 2004).

Chronic bronchitis is described as the presence of an ongoing productive cough for many months during a two-year period. Emphysema is an abnormal, permanent enlargement of the air spaces in the lungs with destruction of these cell walls that makes them no longer function. COPD is present only if chronic airflow obstruction occurs in the lungs; chronic bronchitis without chronic airflow obstruction is not included within COPD.

Treatment

COPD is treatable, but there is no cure for the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment remain great tools against the disease, as the earlier it is caught, the faster it can be treated and the more lung capacity can be reserved. Of course, the best treatment is prevention and avoiding environmental risk factors such as smoking. Complete cessation of smoking can slow COPD progression (Carter, Nicotra, Tucker, 2006). In North America, COPD diagnosis often occurs late, when patients exhibit major symptoms and are in their late 50s or 60s. At this point, lung function has significantly declined and quality of life has deteriorated. In the least developed nations, COPD diagnosis and treatment may never occur and many of those with emphysema and bronchitis may not have any access to medical care or treatment (Jenkins, 2003).

Most patients who are diagnosed early enough can stop smoking and begin to take measures to curb the disease. However, as the disease progresses, such medicines as bronchodilators that enlarge the area of the lungs to aid in air flow in and out may offer assistance, as will the delivery of oxygen therapy. Oxygen can be given on a long- or short-term basis. In late stages of COPD, many complications with ...