COPD Diagnosis and Management Plan



Abstract

American lungs Association has reported recently that more than 11 million population of American is diagnosed with COPD while more that 120,000 people in America die because of this disease on an annual basis. In early 2002 it was found that the percentage of females dying due to this disease was more than men. Majority of the people who die from this disease doesn't even get the chance of being diagnosed and are not reported in these figures. Thus, COPD is the fourth leading reason and cause behind death of American population. COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a condition in which the airflow to the lungs is limited and restricted due to narrowing of lungs or other resistance problems in breathing. The main aim of this report is to develop better understanding of COPD with the help of a cases study through past and present history of the patient and examination. Additionally pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and implication with regards to the case study will be discussed in detail.

COPD Diagnosis and Management Plan

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) basically is a lung disorder or disease that affect the normal function of lungs thus making it difficult for people to breath in a normal manner. The main disorders related to COPD are Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis which results in respiratory failure in majority of the cases. Emphysema is the result of a condition in which the walls that are present between the lungs air sacs becomes weak and collapse. While Chronic Bronchitis results when the airways or passage of lungs swells and blocked making it difficult for the person to breath and is clogged with mucus (American Lung Association, 2006).

It has also been reported that one of the major reason behind COPD is smoking which is the most common reason. Around 80 to 90 percent of people who die with COPD were smoking or x smokers. The likeliness of women who smoke is 13 times more than the women who do not smoke and have never smoked in the past and in their entire life. While in case of men, men who smoke their chances of dying with COPD is 12 times more than that of non smokers. Some of the major hazardous substance present in cigarette are tar nicotine, carbon monoxide and cyanide. Additionally, people who do not smoke but are exposed to second hand cigarette or tobacco smoke, air pollutants are at high risk of developing COPD sooner or later. Exposure to industrial pollutants such as dust, gases or toxic fumes also poses great risks of developing COPD (Miami Children's Hospital).

Discussion

The death rate with regards to COPD has been increasing and remained progressive if the table and graph is analyzed closely with regards to the occurrence and incidence of COPD in american poplaltion between the eyar 2000 and 2006. It was reported to be around 83.8 percent for male in the year 2000 and continued to decrease till the year 2004 ...