COPD
Causes
Smoking tobacco
Fuel fumes from cooking or heating
Workplace exposure to dust or fumes
Second-hand smoke
Complications
Respiratory infections
Heart issues
Lung cancer
Depression
High blood pressure in pulmonary arteries
Pathophysiology
Medications
Labs and x-rays
Treatments
Spirometry
Arterial blood gas analysis
Chest x-ray
Chest CT scan
click to edit
Lifestyle changes (stop all smoking and increase physical activity)
Therapies (oxygen and pulmonary rehab)
Medications
Surgery (transplant)
Steroids
inhalers
Antibiotics
The airways in your lungs become inflamed and thicken, and the tissue where oxygen is exchanged is destroyed. The flow of air in and out of your lungs decreases. Then, less oxygen gets into your body tissues, and it becomes harder to get rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide.
Assessment
Family history assessed
Medical history (subjective questions about current issue, past issues, medications, and allergies) assessed
Physical exam assessment
Baseline values of vital signs obtained
Examine ears, eyes, nose, and throat
Auscultate heart and lungs
Assess the neck veins for blood backup and assess for cyanosis
Palpate the abdomen and check for clubbing and edema