In this video, I will cover chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive lung disease
that affects the airways and lungs.
COPD includes a combination of chronic bronchitis which is characterized by inflammation of
the bronchi and emphysema which consists of damage to the tiny air sacs called alveoli.
The primary cause of COPD is exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust,
and chemicals, which can damage the airways and lung tissue.
Genetics also plays a role and people with the alpha 1 disease have a lower level of
alpha 1 antitrypsin which protects lung tissue.
In COPD the walls of the airways thicken and produce excess mucus making it difficult to
breathe.
The reduced airflow to the lungs leads to difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath,
and wheezing.
As the disease progresses, the lung tissue becomes damaged and the alveoli lose their
elasticity, break apart and form large areas that decrease the exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide.
This leads to low levels of oxygen (hypoxemia) and high levels of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia)
in the blood.
Here we see a tissue slide showing how the alveoli have broken apart forming large chambers.
COPD can also cause systemic effects throughout the body, including weight loss, muscle wasting,
and cardiovascular complications.
The chronic inflammation is caused by the infiltration of immune cells, such as neutrophils,
macrophages, T lymphocytes, and mast cells into the lung tissue.
These cells release cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators, which promote
the inflammatory response.
This leads to structural changes in the airways and lung tissue such as thickening due to
the accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins.
COPD also causes damage to the epithelial cells lining the airways.
This damage makes it difficult for the airways to clear mucus and other debris, which can
further exacerbate airway obstruction.
Enlarged mucous glands in the airway produce excess mucus, which can further narrow the
airways and cause coughing and sputum production.
COPD develops over time.
The four stages of COPD are: Stage 1 - Mild COPD: In this stage, there
may be mild or no symptoms, and lung function is only slightly reduced.
A chronic cough and sputum production may be present.
Stage 2 - Moderate COPD: In this stage, there is a more noticeable decrease in lung function,
and symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing become more frequent
and severe.
The person may have difficulty with physical activities such as climbing stairs or walking
uphill.
Stage 3 - Severe COPD: In this stage, lung function is significantly reduced, and the
person experiences severe shortness of breath even with mild physical activity.
The person may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and other systemic problems.
Stage 4 - Very Severe COPD: In this final stage, lung function is severely impaired,
and the person may experience difficulty breathing even at rest.
Flare-ups, or exacerbations, of symptoms become more frequent and severe, leading to hospitalization
or emergency care.
There is no cure for COPD so the treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, improve lung function,
and prevent exacerbations.
Treatments include: Lifestyle Changes such as quitting smoking,
avoiding exposure to irritants and pollutants, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy
weight.
Medications such as bronchodilators to help open airways, steroids to help decrease inflammation,
and antibiotics for treating respiratory infections.
Oxygen Therapy for severe COPD Pulmonary Rehabilitation which includes breathing
exercises and education on COPD management.
Surgery: In severe cases of COPD, surgical interventions such as lung volume reduction
surgery and lung transplantation may be considered.
I hope you have learned about COPD.
Thanks for watching and see you next time.