copd or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disorder that makes it difficult
for a patient to breathe it results in wheezing shortness of breath and chest tightness and is the
fourth leading cause of death in the united states in this video we will provide a brief overview of
copd including its symptoms causes and treatment options so if you're ready let's get into it
copd is a chronic respiratory disease that results in difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the
airways within the lungs it is a progressive disease which means that it gets worse over time
copd is caused by exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke secondhand smoke air pollution
and chemical fumes the symptoms of copd typically do not appear until middle age and the disease
typically progresses slowly over time now let's talk about the signs and symptoms the most common
symptom of copd is shortness of breath which can occur even when performing simple activities such
as walking or climbing stairs some other common symptoms of this disease include dyspnea wheezing
chest tightness coughing up mucus and fatigue each patient's experience with copd is unique and many
people also experience anxiety and depression due to the limitations caused by their disease
now let's talk about the causes copd is caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette
smoke secondhand smoke air pollution and chemical fumes exposure to these substances damages
the lungs over time and causes inflammation that narrows their airways within the lungs
there are a number of risk factors for developing copd
including exposure to cigarette smoke exposure to secondhand smoke living in a polluted area
and working in a job that exposes you to chemical fumes or dust genetic factors also
play a role as people with relatives who have copd are more likely to develop the disease
next let's talk about the treatment copd cannot be cured but there are a number of treatment options
available to help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease
some examples include inhaled bronchodilators inhaled corticosteroids lifestyle changes
such as quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to irritants pulmonary rehabilitation low flow oxygen
therapy non-invasive ventilation and mechanical ventilation in severe cases the treatment method
will vary with each patient depending on the severity of their signs and symptoms
non-invasive ventilation is the preferred method of treatment during an acute exacerbation of copd
bipap is the most common example and the goal is to avoid invasive ventilation
however if the patient's condition worsens intubation and conventional mechanical ventilation
would be indicated there are two primary types of copd emphysema and chronic bronchitis
each has key similarities and differences that must be understood by respiratory therapists
and medical professionals emphysema is an obstructive disease that causes increased
lung expansion due to air trapping it causes irreversible damage to the alveolar walls
which results in permanent enlargement of the air spaces distal to the terminal
bronchioles this makes it difficult for a person to exhale air out of the lungs chronic bronchitis
chronic bronchitis is a type of copd that is characterized by increased mucus production in the
trachea and bronchi this results in a productive cough that occurs for at least three months of
the year for more than two consecutive years respiratory therapists are required to understand
and recognize the differences in patients with emphysema chronic bronchitis and other obstructive
lung diseases we have several videos and resources on our channel and website that can help make the
learning process much easier so definitely check those out if you want to learn more
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i think you will enjoy and just a quick reminder we are not doctors this video is for informational
purposes only thank you so much for watching have a blessed day and as always breathe easy my friend