2.15 - Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases

• What is COPD?

  A lung disease with irreversible damage
• What characterizes COPD?

  Irreversible lung damage and obstructed airway
• How does COPD affect breathing?

  It makes breathing very difficult
• What is the primary risk factor for COPD?

  Smoking
• How does the risk of COPD change with smoking?

  It increases with duration and intensity
• How many diseases are related to COPD?

  Two diseases
• What are the two diseases related to COPD?

  1. Bronchitis

  • Inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles
  • Increased mucus production and coughing

  1. Emphysema

  • Damage to alveoli walls
  • Fewer, larger alveoli reduce gas exchange surface area
• What is bronchitis?

  Inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles
• What are the effects of bronchitis on mucus production?

  It leads to increased mucus production
• What is emphysema?

  Damage to the alveoli walls
• How does emphysema affect alveoli?

  It leads to fewer, larger alveoli
• What is the consequence of having fewer, larger alveoli?

  Reduced surface area for gas exchange
• What is a risk factor, when discussing disease?


  Something that increases the chance of developing a disease