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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma
Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are the most prevalent forms of pulmonary diseases, and the global burden associated with these conditions is increasing worldwide. Ehteshami-Afshar, Fitzgerald, Doyle-Waters, and Sadatsafavi (2016) reported that COPD and asthma are key causes of productivity loss and key drivers of medical costs, both directly and indirectly. Additionally, the study established that chronic respiratory diseases form a major class of the non-communicable diseases, which are the highest cause of morbidity and mortality in the modern world (Ehteshami-Afshar et al., 2016). In support of the insights presented in the study, Labonte, et al., (2016) reported that most cases of COPD remain undiagnosed due to being less symptomatic. However, their health services needs add to the cost of diagnosed cases considerably. The literature review entails a deep analysis of several aspects of pulmonary diseases, with more attention paid to COPD and asthma. The review is divided into several categories based on the insights obtained from the peer-reviewed articles.
Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Diseases
Biegelman and Bacharier (2016) conducted a study focused on identifying the relationship between asthma and respiratory infections occurring during the early stages of life. COPD consists of two main conditions; emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It can also present as a combination of both. Chronic bronchitis occurs following inflammation and increased mucus production within the airways. The additional mucus or swelling causes reduction of the lumen of the airways, making breathing difficult. On the other hand, emphysema occurs as a result of damage to the alveoli. Once damaged, the alveoli lose their elasticity, and the lungs are unable to expel all the air (Biegelman & Bacharier, 2016).
Asthma may occur as a result of several pathophysiologic factors, such as bronchial inflammation. The inflammation leads to constriction and resistance within the airways. Increased mucus production also leads to blockage of the airways. Evidence pointing at a possible relationship between a history of life viral infections and the development of asthma has been building up over the years. Biegelman and Bacharier (2016) conclude that early life infections play a crucial role in asthma development in later stages of life. Viruses such as human rhinovirus and syncytial virus have been identified as some of the major antecedents of childhood asthma. Interactions between the particular virus, environmental, and genetic factors cause the disease.
Causes of Pulmonary Diseases
Scholars agree on the findings that pulmonary diseases are caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors (Guan, Zheng, Chung, & Zhing, 2016; Concroft, 2018). Prolonged exposure to irritants that damage the airways and the lungs leads to COPD. Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of COPD, especially in developed countries. Inhalation of other types of pollutants such as chemicals, cooking fumes, and smoke are the leading causes of COPD in the developing world. However, air pollution is still a huge concern in several developed countries. For instance, studies have linked higher levels of air pollution in China to chronic respiratory diseases (Guan et al., 2016). According to the authors, China has higher emissions of air pollutants than other countries globally. To determine the impact of air pollution on the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the country, the authors analyzed the components of the air pollutants. The chemical components of the pollutants pose a great health threat to the Chinese population, and air pollution is viewed as the main cause of increased mortality cases related to respiratory diseases (Guan et al., 2016).
Genetics is also linked to the development of COPD, even in populations that have not been exposed to pollutants. For instance, people suffering from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are at a higher risk of developing COPD. Low levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin damage the lungs, leading to the development of the disease (Chorostowska-Wynimko, 2015). Air pollution and genetic factors are other predisposing factors. However, a combination of environmental and genetic factors is thought to cause asthma. The symptoms of asthma are triggered by exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold spores, among others. Respiratory infections, physical activity, some medications, and air pollutants can also trigger asthma. Smoking, allergic rhinitis, obesity, and genetics are predisposing factors (Concroft, 2018).
Diagnosis
At first, COPD presents with no symptoms or with mild symptoms. However, the symptoms get worse as the disease progresses. The most common signs include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness (Labonte et al., 2016). Asthma also presents with similar signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, many people with these signs remain undiagnosed. This leads to an increase in the costs associated with the disease (Labonte et al., 2016). Diagnosis is usually based on the presenting signs and symptoms, family and medical histories, as well as test results. Pulmonary function tests are carried out to determine air circulation effectiveness as well as ling capacities. They include spirometry and lung diffusion capacity. Spirometry can detect COPD even before the development of the symptoms. Chest X-rays and arterial blood gas test can also be carried out to diagnose COPD. Diagnosis of asthma includes a physical examination, medical history, lung function tests, and X-rays. A physical examination showing barrel chest is used during the diagnosis of COPD at an advanced stage.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency) is an inherited condition that raises the risk of lung and liver disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein that protects the lungs. The liver makes it. If the AAT proteins are not in the right shape, t...