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

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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