Abstract
The paper describes the case study of the presentation of bronchitis following congestive heart failure and cellulitis in a seventy-four year old male smoker. The paper looks at the basic pathophysiology of bronchitis, how it affects the lungs and airways of the respiratory system and how it can lead to the nursing diagnosis of dyspnea. The paper explains how the markedly reduced efficiency of the respiratory system has effects on the circulatory, immune, nervous and digestive systems. The paper concludes that the patient's lifetime of heavy smoking is almost certainly the cause of his chronic bronchitis, and is likely at least partially responsible for his congestive heart failure.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Basic Pathophysiology
Respiratory System
Circulatory System
Immunological System
The Nervous and Digestive Systems
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In this case study of Peter, a seventy-four year old male of Hawaiian descent previously diagnosed and treated for congestive heart failure, the patient presented with symptoms of dyspnea and hyperventilation. The patient also has a persistent and productive cough, and wheezes when he breathes. Given the fact that the patient smoked a self-reported three packs a day for forty years, and admitted to recently beginning this habit again and is already smoking at the rate of one-and-a-half packs a day, chronic bronchitis is highly indicated. Diagnosis is complicated by existing symptoms from pre-existing conditions in this patient, but the apparent resolution of many of these symptoms and introduction of heretofore unassociated and newly presented symptoms heightens the likelihood of a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis."

Tags:heart, failure, dyspnea, respiratory, system, lungs, airways, breathing, smoking

Abstract
The paper identifies the research question as: What are the outcomes for patients treated with prednisone for exacerbations of COPD in terms of relapse rates, lung function, the severity of dyspnea, and health-related quality of life?

From the Paper
"Aaron, S., Vandemheen, K., et al. (2003). Outpatient oral prednisone after emergency treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 348(26), 2618-2626."

Tags:critique, research, study

Abstract
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to other organs because one or both ventricles are not filled. There is abnormal diastolic and normal systolic function at rest (Satpathy & Mishra, 2006). Redfield (2004, p. 1930) defines heart failure as "a progressive syndrome characterized by complex cardiac and systemic adaptations that vary over time". The risk for CHF increases with age. Symptoms can be edema in the ankle and legs, shortness of breath (American Heart Association, 2008). Other symptoms may be fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, tachycardia, abnormal heart sounds, and distention of the jugular veins.

From the Paper
Congestive Heart Failure Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to other organs because one or both ventricles are not filled. There is abnormal diastolic and normal systolic function at rest (Satpathy & Mishra, 2006). Redfield (2004, p. 1930) defines heart failure as "a progressive syndrome characterized by complex cardiac and systemic adaptations that vary over time". The risk for CHF increases with age. Symptoms can be edema in the ankle and legs, shortness of breath (American Heart Association, 2008). Other symptoms may be fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, tachycardia, abnormal heart sounds, and distention of the

Tags:diagnosis, causes, treatment

Abstract
This discusses primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). It is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by an elevation in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Recently, PPH gained national attention because of its association with appetite suppressants. PPH may also be associated with pregnancy, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and the use of drugs such as oral contraceptives and cocaine. Patients with PPH may report dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. Early diagnosis is crucial.

Abstract
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."

Tags:dyspnea, lungs, nutrition, flu, pneumonia, vaccines, endurance, exercise, therapy, oral, prednisone