Respiratory System: Selected Pathophysiology and Pharmacologic Therapy

Respiratory System
Name:
Institution:
Course:
Date:
There are a number of pathophysiological characteristics associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Among them is the inflammation of the airway. The lung tissue and pulmonary blood vessels are inflamed after they are exposed to irritants such as tobacco smoke. The irritants may cause inflammation of cells such as the neutrophils, B cells CD8+ T-lymphocytes along with the accumulation of macrophages (Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, 2012). There is also the release of the inflammatory mediators such as interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, matrix-metalloproteinase, C-reactive protein interleukins along with fibrinogen. These sustain inflammation leading to tissue damage; thus, structural lung changes. The structural changes are associated with buildup of scar tissue, peribronchial fibrosis and the over multiplication of the airway epithelial cells (Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, 2012). There is also an aspect of mucociliary dysfunction. Like the COPD, pneumococcal pneumonia also causes the inflammation of the airway. At the same time, there is also the accumulation of the macrophages in the airway and massive neutrophil ingress which fu...