COPD Research Paper

Words: 449
Pages: 2

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) moderately progressive and permanent disease of the respiratory system, it primarily affects the lungs and airways of the lungs. The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. This disease slowly attacks and causing loss of function in the lungs. Other causes of COPD include the inhalation of dust, chemicals, or other pollutions over the years. There are many risk factors when it comes to COPD, smoking and second-hand smoking are the main causes of COPD. A major risk factor that tends to go unknown is the burning of wood or biomass fuels that may be used for cooking within a poorly ventilated home. These factors begin to degrade the walls of the lungs to a point where they can not be regenerated by the body itself. …show more content…
Patients with COPD also begin to cough up a thick mucus that forms in the bottom of the lungs. When patients appear with these symptoms, they are later inclined to developing symptoms of airway and airflow obstruction following shortness of breath. Weather conditions can also temporarily greater affect the symptoms of COPD, worsening the patient’s condition.
COPD commonly goes undiagnosed and some patients are often diagnosed with this condition when they do not really have it. A doctor will convey a thorough examination and ask about the patient’s medical and family history, if they use tobacco or have an exposure to tobacco, or other chemicals. The doctor will then take a stethoscope and listen to the patients breathing through the airways and the lungs and listen for in abnormal or wheezing sounds. The doctor may then order various tests to be done like an x-ray to look for clearer obstructions or respiratory