Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPE) is a term used to describe 2 related Lung diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is inflammation and eventual scarring of the bronchi (airway tubes). Emphysema is enlargement and destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) within the lungs. Many persons With COPD have both of these conditions.

Person with COPD have difficulty breathing because they develop smaller air passageway s and nave partially destroyed alveoli. The air passageways also become clogged with mucus, a shiny substance. Smoking cigarette, is the most important risk factor and cause if COPD, About 80% to 90% of COMD cases are caused by smoking, and a smoker is 10 times more likely than a nonsmoker to die of COPD The November -), 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article about treatments for COPD.

SYMPTOMS OF COPD
  -- Chronic cough
  -- Increased sputum (mucus coughed from the airways)
  -- Shortness of breath
  -- Limitation of physical activity

  
  COMPLICATIONS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
  Diabetic ketoacidosis-a lifethreatening medical condition, also known as diabetic coma, is caused by the body's need to break down fats for energy instead of using sugars Kidney failure Diabetic retinopathy-damage to the retina of the eye

-- Gastroparesis-the stomach does not empty properly, allowing partially digested food to accumulate
  -- Diabetic neuropathy-loss of sensation and nerve control of body functions
  -- Increased occurrence of infections
  -- Poor circulation, especially in the feet and legs
  -- Coronary heart disease
  
  TREATMENT FOR COPD

  Stopping smoking-extremely Important to Prevent worsening of the disease
  Bronchodilators-medications, often taken by an inhaler, that help open air passageways in the Lungs
  Corticosteroids-medications taken by inhaler to counteract inflammation in the air passages and lungs
  Oxygen-can help patients with COPD who have a hard time getting enough oxygen; often Stored in a portable tank
  Antibiotics-can be helpful for fighting bacterial Infections that make symptoms of COPD worse