COPD EXACERBATION

COPD Exacerbation



COPD Exacerbation

Introduction

This paper is about an individual client who has been nursed with regards to the crisis that has occurred. Problems can occur in the lives of the patients because of a traumatic event in the life of the patient or he or she can also become the victim of acute illnesses. Illnesses which occur for a short period of time and can be cured are known as acute illness. This paper is about COPD Exacerbation and the way in which the patient suffering from this disease was cured and the crisis was managed. The term, exacerbation, refers to worsening of symptoms. However, COPD Exacerbation can be defined as event in the natural course of the disease with regards to the change that occurs in the patient. There are diseases which are beyond the daily variations, however changing the medication of the patient undergoing COPD. The nature of the crisis that my patient experienced is COPD Exacerbation which has been analyzed and evaluated. Furthermore, I have also given the reflection followed by conclusion.

Critical Analysis

With regards to the social effects of the crisis, an analysis has been done of the patient who suffered from COPD Exacerbation.

Causes

There are many causes of COPD exacerbation which include infection that occurs from air pollution. Infection of the airways or lungs is one cause and air pollution is the other. However, there are one-third cases in which the cause cannot be identified. According to the studies that have been conducted by the previous researchers, it has been revealed that smoking, lack of apulmonary rehabilitation program, improper use of an inhaler and poor adherence to a drug therapy program result in frequent episodes that occur with regards to COPD exacerbation (Davies 2002, pp. 50). Therefore, it is important for the patient to undergo the treatment that has been prescribed. This is the reason why the patient has been treated along with the help of my team mates.

Signs and Symptoms

There are some signs as well as symptoms of COPD exacerbation that have been identified in the patient who was under cure. From these, the main symptom of acute COPD exacerbation was increase in breathlessness that he experienced. Moreover, the other signs that were observed in the patient have been mentioned below.

Increased cough and sputum production

Change in the color and/or thickness of the sputum

Wheezing

Chest tightness

Fever (Davies 2002, pp. 50)

Treatment

In order to manage COPD exacerbation, the patient was asked to stay in the hospital. However, after close examination, the patient was made to stay in home care of a nurse. This was important and was suggested because it was necessary to cure COPD exacerbation. According to me, home care which is administered by the nurses is highly important for such patients which have been suggested for this patient under crisis too. This was a practical and effective approach that was used to cure and the patient who was suffering from acute COPD exacerbation (Davies 2002, pp. 50). Furthermore, this can also serve as ...