Question

COPD. Discuss at least three symptoms caused by physiologic changes and consequences of the disease and how pharmaceutical treatments are designed to alleviate those symptoms.

Answer 1

Nowadays smoking is common worldwide which lead to the serious health issues. This causes the poor flow of air into the lungs and doesn't provide sufficient amount of oxygen reach to the lungs. COPD ( Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions.

Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing. It's caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. It also includes shortness of breath, especially during physical activities, Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning, due to excess mucus in your lungs, frequent respiratory infections etc.

Unlike some diseases, COPD has a clear cause and a clear path of prevention. The majority of cases are directly related to cigarette smoking, and the best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke or quit smoking. Treatment is available for the COPD such as doctors use bronchodilators,these medications which usually come in an inhaler relax the muscles around your airways. This can help relieve coughing and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of disease, patient may need a short-acting bronchodilator before activities, a long-acting bronchodilator that use every day or both. Inhaled steriodsare also given sometimes.