Question

Describe the structural and functional changes that occur in the respiratory system in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Answer 1

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

COPD is caused by damage and inflammation in certain part of lungs which leads to shortening of breath. It is of two types

1. BRONCHITIS : CAUSES INFLAMMATION AND NARROWING OF BRONCHIAL TUBULE WHICH CAUSES FORMATION OF MUCOUS.

  2. EMPHYSEMA: SLOWLY DESTROYS AIRSACS IN THE LUNGS, WHICH BLOCKS THE OUTWARD AIRFLOWS.

CAUSES

1. TOBACCO SMOKING
2. LONG TIME EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL IRRITANTS
3. ATMOSPHERIC CHANGES
4. WORKPLACE RELATED POLLUTANTS
5. HEREDITARY

DIAGNOSIS

1. CHEST X RAY

2. BLOOD TESTING

3. LUNG FUNCTIONING TEST (LFT)

TREATMENT

ACTUALLY THERE IS NO CURE , WE CAN ONLY CONTROL THE PROGRESSION OF DISEASE USING

1. ORAL STEROIDS

2. INHALERS

3. ALSO TREATING OR AVOIDING THE CAUSES WHICH LEADS TO DISEASE.

IF UTREATED IT LEADS TO FASTER PROGRESSION OF DISEASE MAY LEAD TO HEART PROBLEMS, WORSENS RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AND CAN LEAD TO DEATH.