Question

Relate signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) to cellular level dysfunction and organ level dysfunction.

Answer 1

Symptoms and signs of copd:

1.) Cough - due to excess mucus production by Interleukin 13 and exposure to irritants

2.) Sputum production - mucus secretion by interleukin 13

3.) Wheezing - Obstruction of airways by mucus

4.) Cyanosis - lung damage and tissue destruction leading to hypoperfusion by interfering with oxygen absorption from alveoli by blood vessels

5.) Fatigue - shortage of oxygen and build up of carbon dioxode due to damage to lungs and alveoli

6.) Dyspnea - shortness of breath due to airflow obstruction, airways remodelling, sputum hypersecretion and reduced lung elastic recoil

7.) Weight Loss - damaged lungs burn more calories as more effort is needed for respiration leading to unintentional weight loss

8.) Swollen feet, ankles and legs - pulmonary hypertension causing cor pulmonale leading to edema

9.) Tightness of chest - damage to alveoli

10.) Skeletal muscle wasting - limiting exercise capacity of patients