Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rapidly increasing throughout the world and in the United States of America. This may be accounted to a general increase in pollution. Environmental factors have caused many people to suffer from respiratory disorders. Health promotion sector of government has developed practice guidelines for assessment, management and treatment of COPD. Private sectors are also contributing to staunch spread of this disease.Etiology of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disorder that makes it increasingly difficult to breath over time (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health). The term is broad, and it includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of mucous membrane of lungs. Chronic bronchitis leads to chronic cough. Emphysema causes damage to bronchial tree and causes it to lose its elasticity. Emphysema is caused by repeated inflammation of lungs

It is a slowly progressive disease characterized by increased non-reversible airflow limitation (Himes et al, 2009) and life-time care plan is necessary for all patients (Vestbo et al, 2003). The disease does not threaten life immediately, but can not be cured completely. COPD limits a patient ability to move freely due to oxygen deficiency.

Medical Intake/ History Review

When a patient reports to the physician complaining persistent productive cough, wheezing, hindrance in physical activity due to shortness of breath, the physician investigates for probability of patient suffering from COPD (Qaseem et al, 2011). The physician evaluates the patient's symptoms, quality of life affected by exacerbations, spirometry results, chest X-ray, arterial blood gas, family history of lung diseases, occupational or environmental exposure to noxious allergens, and co-morbidities especially cardiovascular disorders.

The ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) is determined by spirometry and is useful in the differential diagnosis of COPD. It also helps in staging of the disease. Previous bouts of exacerbations and history of hospitalization indicate the severity of illness. The physician sends sputum sample of the patient for microbiological assay to rule out probability of tuberculosis. It is difficult to diagnose COPD from chronic asthma because patient usually presents same symptoms. The consultant makes investigations about the patient's profession to identify occupational hazard leading to symptoms.

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Medical Records Providers

Medical records required for COPD evaluation are chest X-ray, spirometry results, and CT scan in rare cases. Hospitalization events should be documented, and discharge summary should be shown to physician for optimum evaluation of current health condition.

Chief Complaint and Subjective History

Symptoms of COPD progress gradually from mild stage and often patients report at very late phase of the disease. Pharmacologic intervention is not needed until symptoms start affecting the quality of life. Known cases of COPD report at hospitals with complaints of wheezing, cough, high fever, and dyspnea. They may also experience sleep disorders because of lack of sufficient oxygen in blood-stream. Some patients also suffer from anxiety disorders, and some experience dizziness due to low oxygen supply to the ...