Question

In your own words, explain the pathophysiology of COPD and how it affects Jim. This is a good definition but we need pathophysiology of whats happening to the alveoli ? why does it make breathing difficult?

Answer 1

COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:

COPD refers to any of a group of diseases charecterised by the pathological limitation of airflow in the airway that is not fully reversible. COPD involves the diseases such as Emphysema ( an abnormal accumulation of air ) Chronic bronchitis and sometimes refractory Asthma .

Pathophysiology of COPD:

COPD mainly occurs due to reactive airways, congenital defects, Chronic infections, smoking etc. Etiological factors can lead to the chronic inflammation of the airways, which results in increased mucous production , swelling in the airway. Constricted airways leads difficulty in breathing , coughing etc. Chronic inflammation of airways damage the airsacs' ( alveoli) walls and leads to the loss of Stretchiness and airways become unable to effectively expell air and mucous , causes clogging of air sacs. This condition can lead to the symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, air hunger , extreme fatigue etc.

Pathophysiology of COPD ( flow chart for easy understanding):

Due to etiological factors ( smoking, Chronic infections and allergies etc )

? ( leads to)

Inflammation of breathing tubes and airways

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Increased mucous production and swelling in the airways

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Cilia that found in the lining of airways become damaged due to continous irritation and inflammation and losses its function of movement   

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Lungs become unable to expell out mucous

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Accumulation of mucous and extra swelling makes the breathing difficult ? ( Chronic bronchitis) ?

Chronic inflammation and accumulation of mucous damages the walls of alveolar sac

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Loss of stretchiness of alveoli and air gets trapped in it and extra mucous cloggs the alveoli, and is become difficult to open fully during inhalation and exhalation.

?

hyper inflation of lungs and shortness of breath and other symptoms.

( Hope the answer helped you. Please relate it with Jim's condition, as you didn't provide me the case.

According to the Chegg Guidelines we are not allowed to provide reference .Thank you.)