he upper respiratory consist of external nares,
nasal cavity, nasal vestibule, nasal septum,
hard and soft palate, nasopharynx, pharynx,
larynx, and the trachea. The air is drawn in
by the upper section of the respiratory
system. It is warmed, cleaned, and
conditioned, mucus secreting membranes
that passes through the pharynx, larynx then
the air is directed by the epiglottis to the
trachea which is a part of the lower
respiratory tract.
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A pulmonologist may recommend medication,
pulmonary
rehabilitation,
oxygen
therapy,
vaccinations, and/or surgery. The broncho-dilators
are a common medication treatment solution,
especially for individuals with a mild case of COPD.
More severe patients may use a stronger and longer
lasting broncho-dilator inhaler. Other options may
include rehabilitation.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is to help improve
breathing. Special exercises, nutrition, and
psychological treatment can help to improve the
The lower respiratory tract includes the quality of life.
trachea, the bronchi, bronchioles, and the
Patients should try to remain as healthy as
aveoli which are hidden inside the lungs. The possible. Avoid getting sick and talk to your doctor
bronchi split left and right at the inferior end about receiving the flu shot because viral and
of the trachea to enter the left and right lungs bacterial infection can easily infect COPD
to smaller branches of bronchioles that are individuals. The pulmonologist may suggest some
connected to small air sacs called aveoli. patients have surgery not everyone is a candidate for
These aveoli sacs have a very important this procedure.
relationship with the blood stream. In the
Bullectomy is one of several procedures for
exchange of gases, the small aveoli sac must
COPD patients. A bullectomy is a procedure that
transfer oxygen from the lungs to the
bloodstream. This is crucial for many cells removes large ruptured damaged alveoli from the
within the body. Carbon dioxide from the lunges. This can improve breathing in some patients.
bloodstream must also be transferred to the Some individuals in the advance stages of COPD ma
receive a procedure known as Lung Volume
lungs as waste to be exhaled.
Reduction Surgery (LVRS). The goal of the surgery
There is no cure for COPD patients is to reduce 20%-30% of the diseased lung tissue,
but there are breathing treatments to help aid that way the healthy portion of the lung may perform
breathing. When someone has COPD, it also more efficiently. A lung transplant is a last resort and
necessary for the patient to quit smoking first sadly there are more COPD patients than available
and try to avoid air pollution that may irritate donated lungs.
the lungs.
Doctors and researchers of Cleveland Clinic
and other hospitals are researching new materials to
help the damaged lung tissues. Doctors place
special scopes in the patients’ mouth to insert coil in
the lungs. This could help the lung regain more
elasticity because without enough elasticity
exhalation cannot be accomplished properly and
unexhaled carbon dioxide can detrimental.
(American Lung Association 2013).