Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Patient Teaching
NSG3045 Caring For Adults II
Eunice D. Jones, RN, MSN
South University
By
By Tiffany L. Brown
July 27, 2014
Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is in the top five principal cause of death in the U.S. The disease is an abnormal inflammatory reaction in the lungs with limited airflow. COPD characteristically arises around the age 35. Smoking continues to be the main source of COPD, but is not the only known root cause. In many studies, smoking explanations for at least three fourths of COPD cases ("Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | University of Maryland Medical Center," n.d.). Stopping smoking has been known to improve lung capabilities and help to prevent death from COPD. Genetic conditions and introductions to airborne toxins, irritants and gasses are correspondingly involved in the growth of the illness. A complete treatment plan could comprise of lifestyle changes, one or more medications, patient education, oxygen therapy respiratory rehabilitation, and surgery ("Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | University of Maryland Medical Center," n.d.).
Pathophysiology and Education
COPD is the continued tightening of the airways, causing a blockage to the airflow to the lungs, which causes shortness of breath. It chiefly comprises of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both are typically caused by smoking, or less frequently, by work-related exposure to dusts or
Rationale: L.J. exhibits symptoms of COPD that include shortness of breath and productive cough. He has a smoking history of 65-pack-year and smoking has been identified as the primary cause/trigger of the disease (Nagelmann et al., 2011).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a recurring illness of the respiratory system that makes it difficult to breathe by restricting the flow of air in and out of the lungs. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung conditions.
COPD is one of the greatest causes of disability and mortality in the twenty first century with future predictions painting an even graver story. Occupation, genome, and primarily smoking are the main causes of COPD. COPD is the third leading cause of death in America, claiming the lives of 134,676 Americans in 2010. Symptoms are typical of a constant smokers cough which progresses into the debilitating palliative stage of the disease; the development of co-morbidities exacerbates these symptoms. COPD has a complex pathophysiology involving hyperinflation, excessive mucus production and airway remodeling; diagnosis is through lung function tests. COPD is poorly managed with few effective treatments and a poor
COPD is almost always caused by smoking, or second hand smoke. The tobacco smoke irritates the airways and destroys the fibers in the lungs. Breathing in chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution over a long period of time may also cause it. It usually takes a long time for the lung damage to start causing symptoms, so COPD is most come in people who are older than 60.
COPD is an irreversible progressive lung disease that makes it harder for people to breath. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (2015), COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
COPD is a disease that depletes a person of air. This disease is the fourth top cause of death in the United States. COPD describes several lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, and other forms of bronchiectasis. There is no average case, as every case is different from the next. This disease is long term but treatable.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/copd/001/) is considered one of the most common causes of death in the world today and, it appears that most of the patients are active smokers. However, according to researchers, the pulmonary disease can affect everybody, not only people who smoke.
Quitting cigarette smoking: The most effective and important treatment for COPD is to quit cigarette smoking. Patients who continue to smoke will have rapid deterioration in lung function in comparison to those who quit. The aging process itself can cause a very slow decline in lung function. Cigarette smoking can result in a
Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of COPD. Most patients diagnosed with COPD are smokers or have smoked in the past. Prolonged exposure to substances that cause lung inflammation or other exasperations, such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust, can also contribute to a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is the third leading cause of death in the United States. COPD includes extensive lungs diseases such as emphysema, non-reversible asthma, specific forms of bronchiectasis, and chronic bronchitis. This disease restricts the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Ways in which these limitations may occur include the loss of elasticity in the air sacs and throughout the airways, the destruction of the walls between air sacs, the inflammation or thickening of airway walls, or the overproduction of mucus in airways which can lead to blockage. Throughout this paper I am going to explain the main causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and ways to reduce COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or more commonly know as COPD. This is a lung disease caused through long term exposure to some sort of industrial dust, polluted air but most commonly caused from smoking. The following essay will explain what COPD is and how it is treated.
As the number of smokers are rapidly increasing recently, the number of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is also gradually increasing. It is one of the most common chronic diseases and is considered to be one of the five leading diseases following heart disease, pneumonia, HIV and AIDS worldwide (GOLD, 2004). Smoking is the main cause of COPD. However, long term exposure to chemical fumes and air pollution could also cause COPD. This essay is all about how COPD affects individual, family and society as a whole across their lifespan. Also, it discusses the role of a nurse in caring patients with COPD.
All over the world, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a very significant and prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality, and it is increasing with time (Hurd, 2000; Pauwels, 2000; Petty, 2000). Due to the factor of COPD being an underdiagnosed and undertreated disease, the epidemiology (Pauwels, Rabe, 2004) is about 60 to 85 % with mild or moderate COPD remaining undiagnosed (Miravitlles et al., 2009; Hvidsten et al., 2010).
COPD is a disease that makes it difficult for a person to breath. Symptoms include wheezing, fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath. COPD is caused mostly by smoking. One should quit smoking to reduce their chances of getting it and if they already have it, to reduce the severity of symptoms. The two main forms of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A variety of tests may be used in the diagnosis of COPD such as Spirometry and X-rays. Unfortunately, COPD has no known cure but treatment may include bronchodilators, oral steroids, long-term antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even oxygen therapy, IV steroids, or use of a Bi-PAP.
Meaning you are better off trying to prevent something from happening than trying to cure the after-effects. The same goes for COPD. As a matter of fact, COPD has “a clear cause and a clear path of prevention” (Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, July 21). COPD Prevention - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/basics/prevention/con-20032017). This mysterious “clear” thing? Smoking. The best way to prevent COPD is to quit if you are already a smoker, and to not start if you are not. Even those who already have the disease may be told to stop smoking as it is the only way to prevent COPD from getting worse. As well, if a person is working in a position where they may be exposed to chemical fumes and dust they may want to start wearing a mask if they have not