Emphysema Case Studies

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a common preventable and treatable disease, is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). COPD may include other airflow obstruction diseases such as, emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Asthma is known as chronic reactive airway disease, it’s characterized by reversible inflammation and smooth muscle contraction of the bronchiole’s, hypersecretion of mucus, and edema. Asthma is usually onset by cold weather, laboring activities, chemicals, medications, and viral infections. Chronic bronchitis is widespread inflammation of airways with narrowing or blocking of airways, increased production of
COPD.com recommends a healthcare team involving a Primary Care Physician, Pulmonologist, Pharmacist, and Respiratory Therapist (COPD.com). Depending on the severity Palliative Care, Hospice Care, and End-of-Life Care may be necessary. Smoking cessation can begin in a variety of healthcare settings-out patient clinics, community hospitals, and in the home. Regardless of the setting, nurses have the opportunity to teach the patient about the benefits of smoking cessation (Med-Surg 624). COPD often coexists with other diseases (comorbidities) that may have a significant impact on prognosis (Gold). Heart disease, the two most common cardiovascular diseases in COPD are pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) and cor pulmonale (heart failure that results from lung disease) (Lung Chicago). Smokers are at a greater risk of Osteoporosis due to low Vitamin D levels secondary to steroid treatment. Lung infections such as pneumonia can occur much easier because the damaged lungs decreased ability to rid its self of foreign