Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Biography

(Source google.com)

Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with a number of other factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role. In the developing world, one of the common sources of air pollution is from poorly vented cooking and heating fires. Long-term exposure to these irritants causes an inflammatory response in the lungs resulting in narrowing of the small airways and breakdown of lung tissue known as emphysema. The diagnosis is based on poor airflow as measured by lung function tests. In contrast to asthma, the airflow reduction does not improve significantly with the administration of medication. COPD can be prevented by reducing exposure to the known causes. This includes efforts to decrease rates of smoking and to improve indoor and outdoor air quality. COPD treatments include: quitting smoking, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and often inhaled bronchodilators and steroids. Some people may benefit from long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation. In those who have periods of acute worsening, increased use of medications and hospitalization may be needed. Worldwide, COPD affects 329 million people or nearly 5% of the population. In 2011, it ranked as the fourth leading cause of death, killing over 3 million people. The number of deaths is projected to increase due to higher smoking rates and an aging population in many countries. It resulted in an estimated economic cost of $2.1 trillion in 2010. The most common symptoms of COPD are sputum production, shortness of breath and a productive cough. These symptoms are present for a prolonged period of time and typically worsen over time. It is unclear if different types of COPD exist. While previously divided into emphysema and chronic bronchitis, emphysema is only a description of lung changes rather than a disease itself, and chronic bronchitis is simply a descriptor of symptoms that may or may not occur with COPD.
A chronic cough is usually the first symptom to occur. When it exists for more than three months a year for more than two years, in combination with sputum production and without another explanation, there is by definition chronic bronchitis. This condition can occur before COPD fully develops. The amount of sputum produced can change over hours to days. In some cases the cough may not be present or only occurs occasionally and may not be productive. Some people with COPD attribute the symptoms to a "smoker's cough". Sputum may be swallowed or spat out, depending often on social and cultural factors. Vigorous coughing may lead to rib fractures or a brief loss of consciousness. Those with COPD often have a history of "common colds" that last a long time. Shortness of breath is often the symptom that bothers people the most.  It is commonly described as: "my breathing requires effort," "I feel out of breath," or "I can't get enough air in". Different terms, however, may be used in different cultures. Typically the shortness of breath is worse on exertion, of a prolonged duration, and worsens over time. In the advanced stages it occurs during rest and may be always present. It is a source of both anxiety and a poor quality of life in those with COPD. Many people with more advanced COPD breathe through pursed lips and this action can improve shortness of breath in some. In COPD, it may take longer to breathe out than to breathe in. Chest tightness may occur but is not common and may be caused by another problem. Those with obstructed airflow may have wheezing or decreased sounds with air entry on examination of the chest with a stethoscope. A barrel chest is a characteristic sign of COPD, but is relatively uncommon. Tripod positioning may occur as the disease worsens. Advanced COPD leads to high pressure on the lung arteries, which strains the right ventricle of the heart.This situation is referred to as cor pulmonale, and leads to symptoms of leg swelling[9] and bulging neck veins. COPD is more common than any other lung disease as a cause of cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale has become less common since the use of supplemental oxygen.
COPD often occurs along with a number of other conditions, due in part to shared risk factors. These conditions include: ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, lung cancer, anxiety disorder and depression. In those with severe disease a feeling of always being tired is common. Fingernail clubbing is not specific to COPD and should prompt investigations for an underlying lung cancer.

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker

Chronic Lung Disease Lungs Diagram of a Smoker after Smoking Cancer Anatomy And Heart Drawing Images AFter Smoking Wee of a Weed Smoker