Premium Essay

COPD Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 1068
Pages 5
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, otherwise known as COPD, is a condition that limits airflow due to an inflammatory response of the lungs and airways to noxious particles or gases (Pirina et al). COPD is a broad disease that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, types of bronchiectasis, and asthma. This disease effects the smaller airways in the body, rather than the larger ones. COPD continues to grow and effect more and more people, and it is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The stethoscope and spirometer became the most important tools in diagnosing the disease and monitoring it once a patient is diagnosed. A spirometer measures the air capacity in the lungs by measuring the movement of air into and out of the …show more content…
Theophile Bonet was one of the first to describe the disease, specifically emphysema. He observed “voluminous lungs” and described them as swollen and distended. The invention of the spirometer in 1846, aided in discovering more cases. Marc Tiffeneau added the idea of timed vital capacity to the spirometer. The spirometer is the main key to diagnosing patients and dealing with COPD. The spirometer is not used as much as it should be to diagnose individuals that may suffer from COPD. There were many different theories as to what causes COPD. For example, William Osler believed that the main cause of this disease was due to excessive pressure in the alveoli, which plays a major role in the respiratory process. Tony Wang and his team investigated the potential genetic factor, BMPR2, that may be involved in the development of COPD in an individual. “The authors selected BMPR2 for study due to the anti-inflammatory role of this receptor in endothelial cells and evidence that the expression of this gene is decreased by exposure to cigarette smoke” (Sanford). This displays that many new discoveries, not only related to the physical tells of COPD, have helped advance the discovery of the disease. COPD has evolved over many years and due to the invention of the spirometer, it has become easier to identify and diagnose …show more content…
There is no known cure for COPD, however there are certain treatments that can make it easier to live with. There are numerous options for managing COPD, such as medication, exercise, and natural supplements. Each provides the patient with ways to control COPD symptoms and maintain their daily routines. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), is one way to measure the severity of COPD and gives an anticipated course of the disease. GOLD uses the forced expiratory volume test in order to classify COPD into stages of different severities. The test displays how much air a person can completely exhale. Based on this measurement, one can estimate the severity of an individual case. Stage 1 is considered a mild case, with test results indicating around 80% of inhaled air able to be expelled. Stage 2 is moderate, with test results between 50% and 80%. Stage 3 is considered to be severe, with test results ranging between 30% and 50%. Stage 4 is very severe, with results lower than stage 3, or stage 3 results in addition to low amounts of oxygen in the blood. Based on the stage it is easier to provide an individual with a treatment regime that is effective and

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

COPD Research Paper

...COPD is group of conditions with the characteristic of airflow obstruction. The main pathological conditions of COPD are chronic bronchitis which is combination of mucus hyper-secretion and an obstructive ventilator pattern. COPD is characterized by permanent airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.7) (Fig.no.2) [21]. Emphysema is the another conditions found in COPD in which air sac of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness that might play a role in the development of airflow obstruction (Fig.no 3) [22]. Pulmonary function test is primarily used for to confirm the diagnosis of COPD and to measure the airflow obstruction in COPD patients. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are the major parameters in spirometry. The most sensitive indicator for early diagnosis of COPD is decreased ratio of FEV1/FVC...

Words: 2015 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

COPD Research Paper

...COPD, also known as the “Silent Killer”, is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a long term irritation to the lungs that is most commonly developed due to cigarette smoking. Although cigarette smoking is the highest risk factor cause in COPD, working with dust and gases for extended periods put people at a high risk as well, due to the poor air quality it produces. The common symptoms are wheezing (also known as Rhonchi), dyspnea, tightening of the chest, coughing, mucus in lungs that all worsen over a period of time. The things to do to try to prevent this would be to avoid lung irritants and pollutants such as pollution, pollen, chemical based cleaning supplies, perfume/cologne, and smoke, along with many others, this would depend...

Words: 751 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Bsn Paper

...Health People 2020 Objectives Health People 2020 Objectives In today’s society it has never been more pressing for society to take serious its health and health practices and make changes to better themselves. Using Health People 2020 as a foundation this paper will serve to identify objectives and identify how biological risk (including age-related risk), environmental risk (including economic risk), and behavioral risk contribute to family health risks for those objectives noted by Health People 2020. The two objectives that will be discussed include smoking, to include health related problems that result in this behavior, and respiratory illnesses, including Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Within the paper, prevention of exacerbation will also be noted as it relates to each illness. Tobacco Use Scientific knowledge about the health effects of tobacco use has increased greatly since the first Surgeon General’s report on tobacco was released in 1964. The most successful interventions of many clinical trials incorporated elements of social or organizational change to modify individual behavioral risk factors, such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, diet, and physical activity. Most behaviors are not randomly distributed in the population, but rather are socially patterned and often cluster with one another. Thus, many people who drink also smoke cigarettes, and those who follow health-promoting...

Words: 2254 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Demographics Paper

...Demographic Paper Your name Course # Date Instructor Name The aging population and the Baby Boomers are becoming a dominant demographic in the United States. The Baby Boomer generation is the biggest generation in American history. There are approximately 75 million people in America. The average life span and the age of retirement has increased, the need for medications for a longer period , and chronic illnesses are examples of how the aging population and the Baby Boomer generation will contribute to changes in the health care field. “Future and current demographics play an important role in determining the supply and demand of health care workers” (HRS, p. 3). Projected demographics that will affect health care include the increased life span of the aging population, and geographic location of the population. The rise in the population percentage of the elderly over the next decade will cause a n increase in the demand for more health care workers, and medications. Concerns that the demands for health care professionals will not be met because of the financial stress placed on Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance companies, and the patients out of pocket expenses. Many physicians are in the same demographic as the aging population. These physicians may retire around the same time. The healthcare for the elderly population will increase will less physicians to care for them. Positive changes to the health...

Words: 1241 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Six Min Walk

...test (6MWT). Specifically, it reviews indications, details factors that influence results, presents a brief step-by-step protocol, outlines safety measures, describes proper patient preparation and procedures, and offers guidelines for clinical interpretation of results. These recommendations are not intended to limit the use of alternative protocols for research studies. We do not discuss the general topic of clinical exercise testing. As with other American Thoracic Society statements on pulmonary function testing, these guidelines come out of a consensus conference. Drafts were prepared by two members (P.L.E. and R.J.Z.) and were based on a comprehensive Medline literature search from 1970 through 2001, augmented by suggestions from other committee members. Each draft responded to comments from the working committee. The guidelines follow previously published methods as closely as possible and provide a rationale for each specific recommendation. The final recommendations represent a consensus of the committee. The committee recommends that these guidelines be reviewed in five years and in the meantime encourages further research in areas of controversy. BACKGROUND There are several modalities available for the objective evaluation of functional exercise capacity. Some provide a very complete assessment of all systems involved in exercise...

Words: 7226 - Pages: 29

Premium Essay

Week 4 Matrix

...lung associationhttp://www.breathing.orgAmerican association for cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitationhttp://www.aacvpr.orgThe national Jewish medical and research Centrehttp:www.national jewish.org | The purpose of above resources is to provide information to health care professional information on chronic pulmonary diseases, some treatment options and available links.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:Anatomy of the respiratory system consists of two parts: includes upper respiratory tract consists of nose, nasal cavity, sinuses and trachea.The lower respiratory tract consists of bronchi. Bronchioles and alveoli(neighbors, m, &tanehill,.,j 2006)Causes of chronic pulmonary disease:Long term exposure to lung irritants for example smoking, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust (U.S. Department of national lung and blood institute).Statics on COPD diseaseChronic pulmonary disease claims approximately 118, 171 people annually this number increased to 127,000 in 2005, recent studies indicate COPD could be the leading cause of death by the year 2020 in the Unites States of America( American lung association 2004). Men and women are 12-13 times likely to die from chronic pulmonary disease respectively (American lung association.)Diagnostic testingchest examinations using a stethoscope, listen to lungs sounds like a paper being rumbled. Bronchoscopy is a procedure to look into lung passages, placing a probe on middle finger or ear...

Words: 1127 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Nur 641e Complete Class

...that is considering having genetic screening? Week 2: Question 1= Choose an FDA-approved prescription medication and discuss the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the medication, including any differences that would be expected based on the patient's age, a condition of pregnancy, or lactation. Address any adverse effects the medication may have based on age, pregnancy, or lactation. Question 2= Active acquired immunity can be achieved through the use of childhood immunizations. Many parents voice concerns regarding the safety of vaccinations. What is your opinion on the current use of vaccinations? How would you educate parents regarding the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations? Defend your answers with evidence-based research. Week 3: Question 1= Share a case study of an electrolyte imbalance from your practice or from the...

Words: 2242 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Professional Development Plan

...Abstract This is my professional development plan that reviews the standards in which I practice along with my areas of strength and weaknesses. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has developed standards of professional nursing practice for the nursing community to follow. Through the scope and standards of professional nursing practice, I have produced five year and ten year goals including an evaluation of those goals. Professional Development Plan Nurses must possess an understanding of the ethics of the nursing profession and the responsibilities imposed on the nurse’s professional practice. Nurses may, over time and because of a variety of reasons, lose sight of the professional conduct expected. There is a criteria of standards that the nursing professional is expected to follow. In the following context of my professional development plan, you will find the experiences I have had with such standards and what I feel are my strengths and weaknesses. I have created goals that I wish to seek for my nursing profession including my five and ten year time frames for such goals. Standards of Professional Practice Standard 7: Ethics The registered nurse practices ethically. This code is designed so that the nurse delivers care in a manner that preserves and protects healthcare consumer autonomy, dignity, rights, values, and beliefs. It is especially important that the nurse to takes appropriate action regarding instances of illegal...

Words: 4916 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Respiratory Disease Paper

...Respiratory Disease Paper Kelly Lindquist HCS/245 10/30/2014 University of Phoenix Respiratory Disease Paper There are several types of respiratory diseases that not only affect, but claim the lives of people in the United States each year; “COPD” Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lung cancer, Emphysema, and Pneumonia to name a few. Since smoking ban laws were enforced in public places lung cancer and its cause has become a controversial issue; this is why I chose lung cancer as the primary topic of respiratory disease. In this paper I will discuss lung cancers primary, secondary, and tertiary state as well as what makes it classified as such. I will also address the impact of Lung cancer on society as it relates to the business of health care and the use of resources. Lung cancer is classified by primary, secondary, and tertiary state. First or primary is to review behavior in secondary prevention; second, is to stress the need for behavioral research in tertiary prevention to shorten the delay of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Secondary prevention occurs when the disease is identified in the earliest stages when effective treatment can be administered so that mortality rates can be reduced. Tertiary prevention directly affects morbidity once symptoms or awareness has occurred. (Smith & Anderson, 1985) The chance of early detection and its success depends on clinical screening strategies and the stage of the disease at the time it is diagnosed. Lung cancer...

Words: 996 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Family Values Paper

...Family Values Paper Tiffani Lee NURS/542 July, 9 2012 Felicia Rohrbaugh Family Values Paper Family is defined differently by each individual, based on one’s personal experiences. Family is not always individuals related by blood. In health care not only do we take care of the patients, we take care of their families as well. Families defined in health care would be the support system of the individual whose health is compromised. In the health care setting family roles can defer based on the patient’s condition. In a step down unit the patients are more so stabilized, so the families play a major role in providing care, and making decisions for those patients who cannot care for themselves. As a health care provider, it is important to know and understand the role of the family system in health promotion, the concept of family in nursing practice, and application of the appropriate family nursing theory. Family System in Health Promotion The United States Census Bureau defines family as “two or more people (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption residing in the same housing unit” (“United States Census Bureau,” 2011, para 2). The Census Bureau definition is inclusive of a variety of household structures to allow large, small, married adults with our without children, single parent, gay and lesbian, heterosexual, and adoptive families. The family plays a large role in the health of its members. According to Friedman...

Words: 939 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Adn Versus Bsn

...Introduction The first nursing school was opened in 1909 offering a three-year program in the University of Minnesota School on Nursing. Later on a four-year program with a baccalaureate degree was started in 1919.Since the program started they made changes. In the fall of 1919 the program was changed from quarter system to the semester system. During World War II there was nursing shortage, so the Associate degree levels of nurses were placed in the hospital settings to help more patients that were wounded in the war. However BSN programs help students to pioneer in both theoretical and clinical areas of nursing which differentiate them from ADN program. In this paper the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate versus baccalaureate level in nursing will be discussed. Disparities There is a significant difference between BSN and ADN not only in the professional and educational preparation but also competencies. The measure of nurse performance does vary. These measures include communication skills, knowledge, problem solving and professional role. ADN programs are relatively short. This program was started during World War II to provide more nurses to meet the demand during the war. It was based on a small curriculum that would make the nurse competent in the clinical set up. Main focus is on hand on skills. ADN program does not provide the theoretical and scientific...

Words: 905 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Xcxv

...Morphine Research Paper Pain is the body’s natural reaction to distress or damage to the tissues of the body usually due to illness or injury. There are different levels of severity of pain and several categories of drugs that treat it Morphine is a type of narcotic drug synthesized from opium. It is a drug called an opiate that is used to alleviate pain. Opioids are substances that bind to the kappa, lambda and mu opioid receptors in the brain. Morphine acts mainly on mu receptors to decrease the transmission of painful stimuli through the spinal cord from body to brain, as well as action within the brain itself. Currently, it is legal in Canada with a doctor’s prescription. Common brand names for morphine include Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, Oramorph SR, and Roxanol.  Prescription If morphine is to be used in a safe and legal manner, many factors should be taken into account. For example, your doctor should be notified if you have asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, liver or kidney disease, underactive thyroid, curvature of the spine, a history of head injury or brain tumor, epilepsy, low blood pressure, mental illness, amongst other things. It is not recommended to take morphine with other opioids, as this could cause problems if your body is not opioid tolerant. Effects: Other than alleviation of pain, some effects of morphine include impairment of mental and physical performance, relief of fear and anxiety, euphoria, decrease in hunger, and inhibiting the cough reflex....

Words: 702 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Overcrowding Effects Health

...Introduction: There are many factors which impact a child’s health and well-being, one of the main issues that I will be discussing is how living in overcrowded housing affects a child’s overall well-being. Two of the main infectious diseases that affect child are meningitis and tuberculosis. ‘Studies have also found a direct link between childhood tuberculosis infection and overcrowding’ ODPM, The impact of overcrowding on health and education: a review of the evidence and literature, 2004. Findings: There are countless research papers that show how housing has an effect on a Childs health and well-being; throughout this discussion I will be focusing on how poor housing can affect a Childs physical health by living in overcrowded, damp and mould conditions. According to stanwell-smith there is direct link between overcrowded housing conditions and heightened risks of contracting meningitis. Bristol and Western Health found that children living in overcrowding conditions increases their chances of developing life threatening diseases such a meningitis, while the national child development study found that babies grow more slowly and have a greater tendency for abnormal growth. when they do not have enough space. Overcrowding can also lead to a stressful home environment, making basic everyday tasks from cooking to sleeping a challenge. Bristol and Western health authority also found a six-fold increase in the risk of contracting bacterial meningitis in overcrowded...

Words: 1087 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Stem Cell Research

...Stem Cell Research Paper Stem Cell Research Paper Human Biology The human body is capable of many miraculous feats. Every hour, every minute, every second, millions of cells are working to maintain homeostasis within the body. This paper is going to focus on one type of cell in particular, the stem cell. The properties of this little cell are amazing. These unique cells self-regenerate through cell division, and in addition to being unspecialized, have the ability to develop into many different specialized cells of the body. Numerous studies have shown the potential of stem cells to cure cancers, as well as slow or reverse the damages of some neurological disorders, yet stem cell researchers have met with both public and legal resistance during their attempts to show the incredible usefulness of these cells. Therefore, the question is, with stem cell research showing the potential to reverse the damage from or slow the progression of neurological disorders, and possible cures for cancer and other diseases and disorders are the possible benefits too much to ignore? The ability to self-regenerate is one the things that makes the stem cell such an appealing area to study. Most cells and organs in the body do not have the ability to self-regenerate, nor self-repair but stem cells can do both. Stem cells themselves are unspecialized, in that they have so special function (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). Part of the beauty of the stem cell is that through cellular...

Words: 3681 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Respiratory Disease

...Respiratory Disease HCS 245 September 7, 2015 Rebecca Riznyk Respiratory Disease There are several types of respiratory diseases that not only affect, but claim the lives of people in the United States each year; “COPD” Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lung cancer, Emphysema, and Pneumonia to name a few. Since smoking ban laws were enforced in public places lung cancer and its cause has become a controversial issue; this is why I chose lung cancer as the primary topic of respiratory disease. In this paper I will discuss lung cancers primary, secondary, and tertiary state as well as what makes it classified as such. I will also address the impact of Lung cancer on society as it relates to the business of health care and the use of resources. Lung cancer is classified by primary, secondary, and tertiary state. First or primary is to review behavior in secondary prevention; second, is to stress the need for behavioral research in tertiary prevention to shorten the delay of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Secondary prevention occurs when the disease is identified in the earliest stages when effective treatment can be administered so that mortality rates can be reduced. Tertiary prevention directly affects morbidity once symptoms or awareness has occurred. (Smith & Anderson, 1985) The chance of early detection and its success depends on clinical screening strategies and the stage of the disease at the time it is diagnosed. Lung cancer is a disease...

Words: 1003 - Pages: 5