2-44
2-44. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE.
a. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a broad term used to classify conditions associated with chronic obstruction of the airflow entering or leaving the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by increased resistance to airflow due to one of the following basic conditions:
(1) Excessive secretion of mucous within the airways that is not because of a specific cause (such as an underlying infection) will obstruct airflow. This is typical of chronic bronchitis.
(2) An increase in the size of the alveoli with a loss of elasticity will increase airflow resistance. This is the case in emphysema.
(3) Narrowing of the bronchial airways significantly restricts airflow. This type of obstruction is characteristic of asthma.
b. There are other similar conditions that may be classified as COPD. In all these conditions, the underlying problem is the same. Altered physiology of the respiratory structures has caused a chronic airflow problem due to obstruction of part of the air passageways.
c. Physical examination and patient history will usually identify the altered physiology at work. Treatment is based upon symptomatic relief, use of controlled oxygen therapy, and medications to compensate for the altered physiology. Patient education is important, since there is no cure for these conditions. They are the result of years of progressive deterioration of normal physiology.
