Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Anatomy, Physiology, Etiology, Symptoms, Investigations, Treatment and Management

RUNNING HEAD: CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE 1
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Name:
Institution:
Tutor:
Date:

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE 2
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
INTRODUCTION
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an infection of the lungs that results to
dyspnea. At the moment, the condition does not have any cure but there are only options that
enables management of the condition. It is an umbrella of different conditions such as
emphysema, chronic bronchitis and finally chronic asthma is irreversible .The condition is
characterized by shortness of breath (Dyspnea), repetitive cough that has phlegm or mucus in
most days.
According to statistics, 14.4% of Australians who are above 40 years’ experience
difficulties in airflow of lungs. The figures increase to 29.2% in Australians who are above 75
years old. Out of this figures, 7.5% of those that have COPD in Australia experience advanced
signs and symptoms that affect their daily lives (Barnes, 2016). Several studies have also found
out that among avoidable hospital admission diseases, COPD is ranked second. Recently, there
has been reduced death rates from COPD. However, the condition still contributes largely to the
mortality rates in Australia after cardiovascular disease, stroke and then cancer. There is no
current cure for the condition but is avoidable. In this assignment, the overview of anatomy and
physiology of systems involved in COPD, etiology, signs and symptoms, investigations and
tests, the treatment and management of COPD and potential complications will be discussed.
OVERVIEW OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
The respiratory system is made up of different structures .They include the nasal cavity,
the larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchioles, lungs and alveoli. All these structures have different

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE 3
functions. However, they both work in synchrony to ensure that there is effective gaseous
exchange.
The respiratory system facilitates the exchange of gases between the air and the blood
and between the blood and the cells of the body as well. The system assists in pulmonary
ventilation where the air is inhaled through the nasal as well as the oral cavities (Barrecheguren,
Esquinas, & Miravitlles, 2015). The air then moves through the pharynx, larynx, the trachea and
finally to the lungs. Air then flows out in the opposite route. What facilitates this is the difference
in air pressure and the volume of the lungs.
Oxygen is usually delivered to the body through the blood. The red blood cells carry
oxygen from the lungs and when it reaches the capillaries, it is released from the RBC and

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE 4
diffuse into tissues .Carbon dioxide on the other hand diffuse from the tissues into the red blood
cells and plasma. Carbon dioxide is then carried to the lungs so that it can be released.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a condition in which the functions of the lungs
are altered. This is due to different irritants such as smoke from cigarettes that cause
inflammation of the airways and secretion of mucus. The obstructed airways makes it difficult
for the patients to breath and that is why patients with the condition experience dyspnea.
SUMMARY OF TERMS PERTAINING THE DISEASE
Dyspnea is a term that is used to describe shortness or difficulties in breathing. COPD is
an abbreviation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is a condition in which there is