COPD Research Papers

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease also called COPD is a progressive life threatening lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Damage to your airways eventually interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your lungs. It is considered a progressive disease because it worsens over time. More than 12 million people are infected in the U.S., while another 12 million people are believed to have the disease but remain undiagnosed. COPD also ranks as the third leading cause of death In the U.S. and is a major cause serious long-term disability. In most cases symptoms of COPD do not appear until substantial lung damage has occurred. People with COPD are also likely to experience…show more content…
Long-term cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for COPD. Also pipe smokers, cigar smokers (especially when inhaled) and people exposed to large amounts of secondhand smoke are at risk. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors and dusts often found in the work field can also irritate and damage your lungs. With the exception of a rare genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, COPD is 100% preventable by not smoking and taking proper precautions in regards to inhalation of lung irritants. All of the preventable risks factors listed are irritants that damage the lungs over a period of years. Most people do not exhibit symptoms until the age of 40 or…show more content…
All of which produces further damage to the lung tissue that increases COPD exacerbations. COPD may cause high blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension). In return this can increase the force needed by the right ventricle of your heart to effectively pump blood through the pulmonary system. When this afterload becomes more than the heart can effectively pump against it can cause swelling of the lower extremities. COPD also increases your risk of heart disease, including heart attack. COPD may limit your ability to be a functional part of society and may reduce your independence, sexual activity, social activities. This can lead to low self-esteem and result in severe depression and
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