Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the symptoms, diagnosis and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The paper reveals that COPD remains incurable and the best approach is prevention. The paper looks at the role of proper nutrition, flu or pneumonia vaccines for those at risk, and endurance exercise therapy and a therapy of oral prednisone in controlling the symptoms of COPD.

Outline:
Overview
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Prognosis
Management: Prevention
Treatment
Case Study
Health Promotion

From the Paper:

"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a slow but progressive pulmonary or lung disease (American Family Physician 2004, Doherty 2006). In this condition, the large and small lung airways are blocked. It includes two main illnesses, namely chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The bronchial tubes are the main parts of the lungs. When a person with health lungs breathes, the air enters the windpipe and enters the air sacs through these bronchial tubes. Oxygen then enters the blood from these sacs and carbon dioxide moves out of the blood. If the person has chronic bronchitis, the lining of the bronchial tubes is irritated and produces a lot of mucus. This blocks the bronchial tubes and makes breathing hard. If he has emphysema, the air sacs and bronchial tubes are severely damaged. It becomes difficult for oxygen to get into the blood and for carbon dioxide to leave it. COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation of the central and peripheral airways, parenchyma and pulmonary vasculature."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Family Physician (2004). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2 pages. American Academy of Family Physicians: Gale Group. Retrieved on September15, 2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_8_76/ai_n27419268?tag=content;col1
• Bergeron, E. (2003). Breathe easy: good nutrition can keep your lungs healthy. 3 pages. Environmental Nutrition: Belvoir Media Group LLC. Retrieved on October 3, 2008from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0854/is_6_26/ai_n18616050?tag=content;col1
• Boyle, A. H. and Lock, D. L. (2004). Update on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 13 pages. Med Surg Nursing: Jannetti Publications, Inc. Retrieved on September 14,2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_mOFSS/is_1_13/ai_n17206617?tag=content;col1
• Courtney, A. U. (2003). Oral prednisone prevents relapses in COPD exacerbations. 2 pages. Journal of Family Practice: Dowden Health Media, Inc.. Retrieved onOctober 3, 2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0689/is_10_52/ai_1092121895?tag=content;col1
• Doherty, D. E., et al (2006). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: consensusRecommendations for early diagnosis and treatment. 13 pages. Journal of FamilyPractice: Dowden Health Media, Inc. Retrieved on September 14, 2008 fromhttp://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0689/is_11_55/ai_n27059405?tag=content;col1

More papers on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:

• Research Paper # 103781 : "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)"
• Term Paper # 108298 : "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease"
• Analytical Essay # 130287 : "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Lung Disease"

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