...COPD COPD is a term used for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an “obstructive disease”, meaning that airflow coming out of the lungs during exhalation is blocked. The blockage of airflow with COPD ,makes it very difficult for a person to breathe. Over time, COPD get progressively worse because doctors have not yet found a cure. COPD affects more Than 5% of the adult population, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. 4 With COPD, a person will usually have two main medical conditions that limit airflow. These conditions are known as emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Emphysema causes the elasticity of the lung tissue to be lost. The alveolar walls between air sacs in the lung are damaged, and this causes them to lose their shape and become flimsy. Over time, this damage destroys the walls, leading to fewer, larger air sacs, rather than many, smaller air sacs like that of a normal lung. When this happens, the amount of surface available for gas exchange inside the lung is drastically reduced. With chronic bronchitis, the lining of the airways is constantly irritated and inflamed. This condition causes the lining to thicken, and leads to a lot of thick mucus production forming in the airways, making it harder to breathe. With destruction of the lung parenchymal, and narrowing of the small airways, air becomes trapped due to the inability of the airways to remain open during expiration...
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...are more vulnerable than women. Emphysema, which is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affects the respiratory system. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two diseases that fall under COPD (Demirjian, 2012, para. 1). The most common known cause of emphysema is from cigarette smoking due to the pollutants in tobacco. Studies show that while cigarette smoking is the major cause, other possible causes are air pollutants, chemical irritant exposure, chronic bronchitis, and genetics (Zelman, 2010, p.197). The pollutants in tobacco release chemicals from within the lungs that cause damage to the alveoli. As time passes, this continues to do more damage to the alveoli. The chemicals that cause the alveolar walls to break down also cause the lungs to lose elasticity which prevents them from inflating and deflating correctly. Since the lungs are not able to deflate as normal, they fill over time with carbon dioxide air (Zelman, 2010, p. 197). This affects the lungs ability to provide sufficient amounts of oxygenated blood to be pumped back into the body (Health Sciences, 2005, para. 1, 2). Genetics are also a cause because nonsmokers have been diagnosed with emphysema. People who are born with a genetic deficiency of the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene are more susceptible of being diagnosed with lung...
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...Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard for someone to breath by limiting the airflow of oxygen in and out of the lungs. COPD is a deteriorating disease that worsens as time goes on that affects over 12 million people in the United States (U.S.). It is characterized by inflammation and severe limitation of airflow in and out of the lungs. COPD is an umbrella term used to describe a group of breathing conditions. Most people age 40 and older with a history of smoking (either current or former smokers) are more likely to suffer from COPD, although in some cases one out of six people with COPD have never smoked. (GICOPD 2001) The most common types of COPD are Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, and Emphysema. Many people diagnosed with COPD may have two types Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema while a few may only have Asthma. COPD is the third most common cause of death in the United States. Of the major causes of death in the U.S., it is the only to have risen in numbers since the year of 2007 while the leading causes (Heart Disease and Cancer) numbers have slightly gone down. COPD is also the second leading cause of disability in the U.S. In 2010, the cost to the nation for COPD was projected to be approximately $49.9 billion, including $29.5 billion in direct health care expenditures, $8.0 billion in indirect morbidity costs and $12.4 billion in indirect mortality costs. ((COPD) Fact Sheet 2014) In a set of normal functioning lungs...
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...Whorwell 1 JoEllen Whorwell ME 1352: Anatomy and Physiology II Maggie Lilly, RMA October 24, 2011 Emphysema and COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition when the cells lining the lungs swell to a point at which they restrict air flow. COPD has doubled over the past two decades, and is the nation’s fourth cause of death in the United States. Because of the blocked air passages, it causes a strain to the heart. COPD increases the blood pressure in the lungs called pulmonary hypertension, and can make the heart enlarge. Emphysema is a lung disease that is classified as COPD. Emphysema causes irreversible lung tissue damage. Emphysema involves permanent damage to the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs that are destroyed and lose the ability to stretch. This leads to insufficient exchange of gases. Carbon dioxide stays in the lungs and has less room for oxygen. As a result, the body does not get the oxygen that is needed, and this causes difficulty in breathing. COPD and emphysema are preventable. In North American tobacco use is the primary cause of COPD, but air pollution, asthma, and respiratory infections also play a role (Thibodeau and Patton pg. 477). However, emphysema does have an inherited disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a substance that is made in the liver and is released in the bloodstream. It helps protect the lungs against damage from other chemicals in the blood. Having alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency means that the...
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...Genetics and Inheritance Mary Duenas BIO/101 May 16, 2016 Mark Kato Someone with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Disorder may find most everyday tasks to be nearly impossible. Simple tasks like walking or cleaning the house can become difficult chores. AAT Disorder is a genetic disorder that affects the lining of the lungs, making the body more susceptible to inhaled irritants and infections. AAT Disorder is characterized by the lack of protective protein in the liver. AAT is a protein that is made in the liver that is then released into the bloodstream. AAT affects mostly the lungs and the liver. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein that is made in the liver that is then released into the bloodstream. AAT protects the lungs so that they can work normally. Not having enough AAT may cause damage to the lungs and make breathing difficult. AAT Disorder may be presented as lung disease in adults and can also affect the liver. In cases where AAT Disorder affects the liver, it can cause cirrhosis. It usually occurs in adults between the ages of 20-50. It can have an impact on a small portion of children and can be associated with liver disease and cirrhosis. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, recurrent respiratory infections, tachycardia, and vision problems. For those that have two damaged copies of the gene, symptoms may be more severe than a person who has one damaged gene and one normal gene. A blood sample must be taken before a person can be diagnosed with AAT Disorder...
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...Critical Thinking Paper Aubrey Lewis Grand Canyon University 11/11/11 SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT Biographical Data Patient, C.L, is a 52-year-old Caucasian female that was admitted to Banner Thunderbird on 09/29/11 for difficulty breathing and shortness of breath (SOB). The patient has no known drug or food allergies and is registered as a “do not resuscitate” and “do not intubate” (DNR/DNI). History of Present Illness Patient stated that she had woken up through out the night drenched in sweat and the inability to catch her breath. This is what brought her to the emergency department where she presented with difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and shortness of breath. Based upon how the patient presented and the results of the diagnostic tests that were conducted the patient was admitted to the progressive care unit of Banner Thunderbird. Diagnostic tests that were conducted was a chest X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultra sound to determine if there is a build up or either fluid and/or air in the pleural spaces of the lungs or a tumor that is causing the patient to have difficulty breathing. Non-imaging tests that are conducted would be a blood studies and arterial blood gas test. The blood studies would be able to dictate if the patient has a bacterial or viral infection, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, a pulmonary embolus, or lupus, and the arterial blood gas test will be able to show how well the lungs are taking in oxygen...
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...INTRODUCTION [pic] Can you imagine a person who is still alive but has no lungs? Maybe you can but it`s really impossible, right? Just try to inhale for five seconds and exhale then hold your breath for one hour. Can you do that? I bet you can`t. Only an extraordinary person can hold his breath for one hour. But for us who are just normal individual, we can hold breath for at least 1 to 3 minutes. Our lungs play a vital role for our survival. Without it, every single cell in our body will be deprived of having oxygen which may eventually lead to our death. Young as you are, you consider yourself as a healthy person with a healthy lungs. But as you get older and engaged with vices particularly smoking, you can`t tell to yourself anymore that you still have a healthy lungs. A stick of cigarette may cause damage to hundreds of fragile alveoli. How much more if you can consume 20 sticks of cigarette a day? Do you think you will still have functional lungs after five years of smoking? On the other hand, we all know that smoking is the major cause of most lung disorders. But do you that even if you`re a non-smoker you are still at risk for having lung problem? Yes, of course! You are at risk only if you are exposed to plenty of lung irritants such as passive smoke, factory smoke and other pollutants. Every one of us must be appreciative and be grateful to enjoy the privilege of having normal breathing pattern. It is difficult for a person who has...
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...It is devastating to think about not having the right supply of air to help me to breath. How many times we have been told to take care of our body and lungs, and fell to do so. I have learn, not maintaining a healthy way of living dealing with your lungs will led to major problems in the long haul. The disease I will discuss is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease {COPD}. COPD is the resistance to airflow as a result of airway narrowing. Airway obstruction may result from accumulated secretions, edema, swelling of inner lumen of airway, bronchospasm, or destruction of lung tissue. There three cystic fibrosis that is related to COPD and they are Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis, and Asthma. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease has a major impact on both physical and psychological well-being {Donna R. Falvo, 420.} Realizing that this is a life-changing condition, with one cure and treatment [makes you think] ‘what does that mean?’ A pulmonologist told me, “That any person that is face with COPD would have to have a lung transplant to get rede of the disease.” The etiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease {COPD} is that cigarette smoking is the number one reason in developing COPD and is ten times likely to develop this disease. Secondhand smoke exposure can also cause COPD. When this happen hyperplasia in our cells produce more mucous, reduced airway due to hyperplasia, reduce ciliary activity that bring up foreign bodies to cough things up. Cigarette smoke will cause...
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...as you progressively get worse (MayoClinic, 2014). “One of the main causes of emphysema is a long-term exposure to airborne irritants.” But another major cause that contributes to people getting emphysema is smoking. Any type of smoke including marijuana or tobacco, air pollution and manufacturing fumes can play a part in the disease too. “But emphysema can be an inherited deficiency of a protein that protects structures in the lungs.” “Its called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema (ATT)” (MayoClinic, 2014). But ATT is a minor cause compared to a person who is smoking or people around second-hand smoke. “Emphysema may take years to develop, making this effect hard to study” (WebMD, 2014). Some symptoms can be minor others can affect you severely. You may live with emphysema for years and not know it, it can sometimes not show signs or symptoms. But one of the main symptoms most people see is shortness of breath over time. Some of these symptoms become problems as they may interfere in normal day activities (MayoClinic, 2014). However liver problems can occur in ATT patients due to there deficiency (WebMD, 2014). Seek a doctor if you are having shortness in breath, lips and fingernails turning blue or gray or if you are not mentally alert (MayoClinic, 2014). Pathology Many things can affect our body’s, emphysema is one of them. The three types of emphysema are centriacinar, panacinar, and parasptal. “Emphysema is a pathological diagnosis defined by permanent enlargement...
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...incorporating aerobics and strength training, usually find it easier to lose weight while taking carnitine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before breakfast, when compared to those following the same protocol minus L-carnitine. We hope all is well with you and that you find this information useful. Articles of interest: * Rebouche CJ, Paulson DJ. Carnitine Metabolism and Function in Humans. Ann Rev Nutr 1986; 6:41-66. * Avogaro P, Bon GB, Cazzolato G, Rorai E. Acute Effects of L-carnitine on FFA and Beta-OH-Butyrate in Man. Pharmacol Res Commun 1981; 13 (5): 443-50. * Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2000 Jun;10(2):199-207 * Robert L. Pastore, Ph.D., CNC, CN Senior Nutritionist at Metabolism.com How Does L-Carnitine Work? 1. How Does L-Carnitine Work? * L-Carnitine burns fat...
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...The patient to be discussed is a 60 year old male who presented to the Emergency Department and was admitted due to a severe COPD exacerbation. The patient is a retired factory worker. He is divorced with no immediate family in the area. He currently has full coverage health insurance through a private policy. The necessary team members that will facilitate the patients care will include; a physician, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, social worker and dietician. The physician will serve as the team leader while the other members of the team will have a mutual role in responsibility, authority and an overall goal in improving quality of care and minimizing expenses. The physician will be responsible for the overall care of the patient including writing orders, assessment, and daily care management. The nurse will for day to day patient care according to protocol. The pharmacist will contribute by optimizing drug regiments to reduce adverse effects and increase efficacy. (Wagner, 2012) The physical therapist will ensure the patient maintains ADL’s to the best of his ability while admitted and then set up outpatient rehab as necessary. The respiratory therapist will make certain that the patient is compliant with respiratory medications and overall airway management. The social worker will be available to provide information to help minimize readmission, financial resources if needed and issues related to social determinants of health. (Suric, 2011)...
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...This debilitating disease can be brought on by genetic predispositions and also environmental exposure to various conditions. Some factors that can increase the risk of this illness involves nicotine use, age, childhood respiratory infections, and even poor lung development at birth (Casey, 2016). According to the U. S. National Library of Medicine (2016), there is a small percentage of people that are born with an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which causes both lung and liver disease and contributes to COPD. Also, being exposed to environmental factors such as air pollutants or second hand smoke has shown to increase the chances as well. There is no cure for COPD. However, managing and controlling the symptoms can help delay the progression of this disease and also decrease exacerbations. As a nurse, it is our responsibility to reduce any risk factors the best we can by frequent assessments and...
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...Medialstinal widening without infiltrates- inhalation anthrax Tamiflu within 48 hours to be effective HAP-received care in a health care institution for at least 2 days in the last 90 days prior to infection VAP- pneumonia within 48 hours of intubation HAP more difficult to treat compared to CAP COPD- include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and small airway disease Emphysema-structural change via destruction and enlargement of alveoli Chronic bronchitis- chronic cough and mucous production Small airway disease-generalized narrowing of bronchioles, may include asthma COPD-4th leading cause of death in United States Risk factors- smoking, outdoor air pollution, occupational dust and chemicals Candium exposure can cause COPD Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency- hereditary COPD cause air trapping- mucous obstructs airway. Air then gets trapped in causing increased Co2 eventually leading to VQ mismatch Indicators-cough, sputum production, dyspnea Yellow or green sputum- bacteria Look for barrel chest,...
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...(Kasper, 2008) Cirrhosis is a condition in which normal liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. As the scar tissue accumulates, blood flow through the organ is obstructed which prevents the liver from functioning normally. Cirrhosis can be difficult to notice early because the preliminary stages rarely demonstrate any signs or symptoms. As liver function deteriorates, the effects of cirrhosis become evident. Complications include swelling of the legs and abdomen, weight loss, jaundice, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract and intense inching. (Kasper, 2008) The most common causes of cirrhosis are hepatitis C, fatty liver, and alcohol abuse. Other causes include repeated bouts of heart failure, cystic fibrosis, antitrypsin deficiency, and Wilson’s disease. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the cause of the disease and what complications are present. The main goal is to slow the advance of scar tissue and reduce the impact of secondary health problems. Diagnosis can be made by assessing certain risk factors like alcohol use and obesity in conjunction with blood test and imaging. A liver biopsy provides absolute confirmation but is not always needed, as will be elaborated later. If deemed necessary, the...
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...Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD; Emphysema) Pathophysiology Abakyereba Kwansemah June 4, 2014 Abstract D.Z.is a 65-year-old man admitted to medical ward with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; emphysema). Past medical history (PMH) indicates hypertension (HTN), well managed with enalapril (Vasotec) past six years, diagnosis (Dx) of pneumonia yearly for the past three years. D.Z. appears cachectic with difficulty breathing at rest. Patient reports productive cough with thick yellow-green sputum. He seems anxious and irritable during subjective data collection. He states, he has been a 2-pack-a-day smoker for 38 years. He complains of (c/o) insomnia and tiredness. His vital signs (VS) are 162/84, 124, 36, 102° F, SaO2 88%. Admitting diagnosis is chronic emphysema with acute exacerbation. Admitting orders includes: diet as tolerated; out of bed with assistance; oxygen (O2) to maintain SaO2 of 90%; maintenance IV of D5W at 50 ml/hr.; intake and output (I&O); arterial blood gases (ABGs) in AM; CBC with differential, basic metabolic panel (BMP), and theophylline (Theo-Dur) level on admission; chest x-ray (CXR) q24h; prednisone 60 mg/day PO; doxycycline 100 mg PO q12h x10 days, azithromycin 500 mg IV piggyback (IVPB) q24h x2 days then 500 mg PO x 7 days; theophylline 300 mg PO bid; heparin 5000 units SC q12h; albuterol 2.5 mg (0.5 ml) in 3 ml normal saline (NS) and ipratropium 500 mg by nebulizer q4-6h;...
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