Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease that causes inflammation and stops the airflow from the lungs. Symptoms such as cough, sputum and wheezing are related to this condition. The main cause of the disease is cigarette smoke and exposure to irritating gases for a long time. People with COPD are at a much higher risk of developing heart diseases and other conditions. Contributing conditions to COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is the condition in which the alveoli are destroyed due to damaging exposure. Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. COPD is treatable. People with the condition can control the symptoms by quitting smoking or being around harmful gases. Remission or restoring is possible if they quit smoking before the age of 35.
COPD is a term that covers progressive lung problems and diseases which can be defined with shortness of breath for example emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory asthma. It can however develop over the years …show more content…
Series of question including smoking history will determine the results as well. If the patient has been coughing the doctor will ask for duration and any cough product. The test performed to diagnose id called spirometry. This is a noninvasive procedure. The technician simply asks the patient to blow as hard as possible into the tube while their nose is clipped. The spirometer measures the amount of air expelled. The doctor may also perform a chest X-ray and a chest CT scan to help visually assess the heart, lungs and blood vessels. These pictures can show whether another condition is causing the problems. An arterial blood gas test may also help determine how severe the COPD is. The blood test measures the level of oxygen and if oxygen therapy is required. If the patient is diagnosed with COPD there are certain treatments and medicines that might help relieve some of the
COPD is a term that covers progressive lung problems and diseases which can be defined with shortness of breath for example emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory asthma. It can however develop over the years …show more content…
Series of question including smoking history will determine the results as well. If the patient has been coughing the doctor will ask for duration and any cough product. The test performed to diagnose id called spirometry. This is a noninvasive procedure. The technician simply asks the patient to blow as hard as possible into the tube while their nose is clipped. The spirometer measures the amount of air expelled. The doctor may also perform a chest X-ray and a chest CT scan to help visually assess the heart, lungs and blood vessels. These pictures can show whether another condition is causing the problems. An arterial blood gas test may also help determine how severe the COPD is. The blood test measures the level of oxygen and if oxygen therapy is required. If the patient is diagnosed with COPD there are certain treatments and medicines that might help relieve some of the