Question

1. List the three main conditions that are part of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and then explain the disease process (pathophysiology), in detail, for each

Answer 1

The main conditions that are part of COPD are

• Emphysema :Here there is continuous inflammatory process leading to damage to the alveolar sacs ,leading to inflammation, irritation and poor airway exchange ,oxidative stress and finally alveolar cell death resulting in permanent and continuous breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Asthma:Here it is called as refractory asthma or reversible COPD,usually it can occurs as a result of allergic reactions or other respiratory conditions where there is limitation of fixed airway leading to increased inflammation and narrowing of respiratory tract causing decreased oxygen supply and shortness of breath
• Chronic bronchitis :Here there is inflammation of the respiratory pathway mainly because of secretions.The presence of mucus in the lungs makes the airway exchange difficult leading to decreased oxygen and thriving for oxygenation and hence increasing respiratory rate for shortness if breath.Further the cough reflex is stimulated to expel the sputum if present to enhave airway exchange and make breathing easy