Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
By Lesley Kent at St. Philips College
eventually damages the alveoli, small clusters of air
sacs in the lungs. When the inner wall of the alveoli
becomes ruptured, the lungs will not exhale
properly; thus reducing the amount of fresh vital
oxygen needed for the bloodstream. Emphysema and
bronchitis are components of Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) though smoking is the
leading cause of emphysema. (Davis MD, PhD, C.)
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)?
It’s a disease that attacks the upper
respiratory system that causes coughing and
breathing difficulties.
These are the primary
symptoms of COPD.
Some patients with lung disease may show
COPD is a progressive disease as it worsens. symptoms of Alph-1 antitrypsin deficiency a genetic
Individuals with COPD will gradually feel more lung disease that damages the alveolar tissue this
fatigue due to poor airflow to and from the lungs. type of emphysema is called panacinar and it
This is caused by inflammation of the main tube dominates the lower part of the chest.
leading to the lungs. Other symptoms may include The lungs are a pair of organs in the cavity space of
tightness of the chest, excessive mucus, wheezing,
headaches, and discoloration under the fingernails.
Patients with COPD can easily develop other
breathing problems such as viral and bacterial
illness, emphysema and chronic bronchitis are also
common upper respiratory infections that plague
COPD individuals.
the thorax, placed laterally to each other. It’s an
essential part of the respiratory system. The lungs
are made up of a light smooth texture that can
expand or retract easily though they may look
similar; they are quite different in size and weight.
The right lung is roughly about 30% larger that the
left. The right lung has three lobes, while the left
lung has two. The left lung must make room for the
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi (the main heart which lies a little to the left and the right lung
tube that flows air to the lungs) viral and bacterial must make room for the diaphragm causing it F