Question

Description COPD and Asthma are common high-cost disease processes which are strongly impacted by environmental factors. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions, the way that social and environmental determinants of health impact these conditions, and the treatment of these conditions. Instructions Compose a short (1 – 3 pages) essay explaining the basic disruption of normal function in COPD and asthma, comparing and contrasting where appropriate. For each condition, identify two social and environmental determinants of health that impact pathogenesis. For each of the two diseases, identify a minimum of two treatment modalities and explain briefly how they restore normal physiologic function. The essay should be structured, and follow a logical format. Remember to cite your sources, consistent with the academic integrity policy of Doane. APA format is required.

Answer 1

COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time, as well as inflammation of the tissues that line the airway. Asthma is usually considered a separate respiratory disease, but sometimes it's mistaken for COPD. The two have similar symptoms. These symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste.

Respiratory infections, such as the common cold.

Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)

Cold air.

Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

Risk factors for COPD include:

Exposure to tobacco smoke. The most significant risk factor for COPD is long-term cigarette smoking.

People with asthma.

Occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals.

Exposure to fumes from burning fuel. ...

Genetics.

The pathophysiology of asthma is complex and involves airway inflammation, intermittent airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Antigen presentation by the dendritic cell with the lymphocyte and cytokine response leading to airway inflammation and asthma symptoms.

Pathophysiology of copd

COPD results from the combined processes of peripheral airway inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This leads to airflow limitation and the destruction and loss of alveoli, terminal bronchioles and surrounding capillary vessels and tissues, which adds to airflow limitation and leads to decreased gas transfer capacity. The extent of airflow limitation is determined by the severity of inflammation, development of fibrosis within the airway and presence of secretions or exudates. Reduced airflow on exhalation leads to air trapping, resulting in reduced inspiratory capacity, which may cause breathlessness (also known as dyspnoea) on exertion and reduced exercise capacity.

Although asthma and COPD are both chronic inflammatory lung disorders, perhaps the most important difference between them is the nature of the inflammation that occurs. In asthma, inflammation is mainly caused by eosinophils, whereas in COPD neutrophils are involved.

The way that social and environmental determinants of health impact these conditions is that the COPD had a reduced physical performance, a more impaired disease-specific health status and were more socially deprived compared to non-COPD subjects. These impairments need to be taken into consideration when setting up a management program for patients with mild COPD.

While physical characteristics of neighborhood and housing environments such as air pollution, dampness, dust, and the presence of pests contribute to variations in the risk of asthma within populations, these factors alone do not fully account for the social distribution of childhood asthma.

The basic disruption of normal function in COPD and asthma, In asthma, breathing can return to normal between attacks, while breathing with COPD usually does not return to normal. The symptoms of COPD gradually become more severe. (This also may occur if you have asthma.) COPD produces more mucus and phlegm compared to asthma.

Bronchodilator medications are central to the symptomatic management of COPD. They are given on an as-needed basis or on a regular basis to prevent or reduce symptoms. The principal bronchodilator treatments are 2-agonists, anticholinergics, theophylline, and a combination of one or more of these drugs.

There are two main types of medications used to treat asthma: Long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are the most important medications used to keep asthma under control. These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms.

Apart from breathing retraining, physiotherapy can be used to strengthen the body and its ability to breathe in general, thereby reducing the onset of asthma attacks. ... Respiratory muscle training can take the form of physical exercises, or the use of a device that makes breathing more difficult.

To strengthen my lungs with asthma practice diaphragmatic breathing, lie on your back with your knees bent and a pillow under your knees, or sit up straight in a chair. Place one hand flat on your upper chest and the other hand on your stomach. Breathe in slowly through your nose.