COPD

• Pathophysiology:

  • A group of common chronic respiratory disorders that are characterized by progressive tissue degeneration and obstruction in the airways of the lungs
  • COPD causes irreversible and progressive damage to the lungs
  • Eventually, respiratory failure may result because of severe hypoxia or hypercapnia
  • COPD leads to the development of cor-pulmonale, right-sided congestive heart failure owing to lung disease
• Etiologies/Risk Factors:

  • Smoking
  • Other lung irritants
  • Air pollution
  • Chemical fumes
  • Changes to lung growth and development
  • Infections
  • Older age
  • A condition that runs in families
  • Asthma