![]() COPD can cause complications such as pulmonary hypertension or respiratory failure. Individuals with advanced disease may benefit from oxygen supplementation and/or noninvasive ventilation. Treatment options mainly consist of short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. Imaging studies are helpful in assessing disease severity and the extent of possible complications. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical presentation and pulmonary function tests ( PFTs), which typically show a decreased ratio of forced expiratory volume ( FEV) to forced vital capacity ( FVC). Clinical features include dyspnea and productive cough and, in later stages, tachypnea, tachycardia, and cyanosis. These changes cause a loss of diffusion area, which can lead to inadequate oxygen absorption ( hypoxemia) and CO 2 release ( hypercapnia). COPD begins with chronic airway inflammation, which usually progresses to emphysema, a condition that is characterized by irreversible bronchial narrowing and alveolar hyperinflation. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to COPD, particularly those with α 1-antitrypsin deficiency ( AATD). It is predominantly caused by inhaled toxins (e.g., tobacco smoke or air pollution). ![]() ![]() Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms resulting from airflow obstruction and alveolar gas exchange abnormalities. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |