Etiology of the Disease: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Essay Example

Introduction:
COPD: Etiology, Disease Process, and Common Treatment:
Some of the causes that lead to the disease of COPD include cigarette smoking and secondhand smoking, pollution in the air, occupational pollutants, and deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin. The deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is another major cause of COPD that reflects a hereditary problem in many individuals (Schiffman & Shiel, 2013).

The process of the disease of COPD consists of three conditions within an individual. These are chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. The flow of air gets obstructed and hence unable to pass through the airflows often making such obstruction permanent. If patients suffering from asthma are not treated, then such patients tend to have a rigid element of obstruction of the airways leading to COPD. In COPD the limitation in the flow of air is progressive in nature. Moreover, it leads to an irregular inflammatory reaction of the lungs to lethal particles or harmful gases. The abnormal responses of the inflammations occur “throughout the proximal and peripheral airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature” (O’Connell Smeltzer et al, 2010, p.602). Since the inflammation is chronic in nature and there is a tendency of the body to repair the process, hence the airways reflect alterations and narrowing in their features. As a result of this disease, there are changes in the components of the lungs as well (O’Connell Smeltzer et al, 2010, p.602).

Certain common treatments are available for COPD patients. With intentions to avert further worsening of the conditions of the lungs, to lessen the symptoms and their effects, and to improve the conditions of the affected patients for their daily activities and performances of life, the common treatments include: quitting cigarette smoking, taking medications to expand the airways and reduce inflammations of the airways, taking vaccinations against flu influenza and pneumonia, regular supplementation of oxygen in the body, and rehabilitation of the pulmonary system. As far as medication is concerned, beta-agonists “have the broncho-dilating effects of adrenaline without many of its unwanted side effects. Beta-2 agonists can be administered by MDI inhalers or orally” (Schiffman & Shiel, 2013).

Conclusion:
From the above study, it could be obtained that COPS is rising among patients owing to the causes mentioned in the study. However, the treatment of the disease is possible provided the individuals become more cautious and consider the preventive measures and medications effectively.