Lesson Two - Cardio-Pulmonary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
What is it?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for an irreversible chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. There are two diseases that most often fall under the umbrella of COPD:
- Chronic Bronchitis is inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, or bronchial tubes. This inflammation causes an overproduction of mucus and narrows or blocks the airways.
- Emphysema is damage to the balloon-like sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, through which oxygen enters the bloodstream. Emphysema causes the alveoli to lose their ability to stretch which, in turn, limits the volume of air that can be inhaled. This reduces the amount of oxygen the body is able to take in.
Pixabay
Click each coloured tab to view more information.
COPD starts slowly and may start as:
- a chronic cough that may or may not have mucus
- fatigue
- many respiratory infections
- shortness of breath
- trouble catching one’s breath
- wheezing
Pixabay
If COPD gets worse, the patient may find that even simple activities, such as getting dressed, makes them out of breath. Over time, eating, exercising, and even breathing takes an enormous amount of energy. This can lead to weight loss and increasing weakness.
The number one risk factors for COPD are smoking and vaping. The chemicals in cigarettes and e-cigarettes irritate the inside of the lungs and cause long-term damage.
Breathing chemical fumes, fine dust particles, or pollution over an extended period of time are other, less common causes of COPD.
Breathing chemical fumes, fine dust particles, or pollution over an extended period of time are other, less common causes of COPD.