Explain the pathophysiology behind the signs and symptoms of COPD.

Unit 2-discussion- copd. 1300w. due 1-13-23. 4 references.

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and is a group of lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. The pathophysiology behind the signs and symptoms of COPD are all related to the damage done to the airways due to an increase in inflammation. This leads to difficulty breathing as it becomes harder for the affected person to inhale and exhale air. The inflammation also causes narrowing of airways which makes it more difficult for air exchange between alveoli (air sacs) and blood vessels resulting in lower oxygen levels being available for circulation throughout the body. Long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke can cause destruction of ciliated cells lining the lungs which further contributes to decreased airflow and impaired mucociliary clearance leading to increased mucus production which can block off small airway passages. These factors combined lead to common signs & symptoms associated with COPD including shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent cough with sputum production, tight chest feeling etc..