Many conditions obstruct the airway. These are called obstructive airway diseases. Some of these conditions are irreversible due to permanent structural damage from smoking, toxic exposures, and infections. These are termed “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” (COPD). Asthma is not a COPD. Asthma is treatable.
The two most common COPD’s are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is the permanent destruction of alveoli and the air sacs distal to the terminal bronchioles. There is increased airway resistance due to a collapse of the small airways.
Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which there is a chronic inflammation of the small airways with resultant mucus plugs and destruction of the small airways. The primary cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking followed by exposure to coal dust, asbestos, etc.
These clients develop disabilities from hypoxia and/or dyspnea. Confusion and worsening of heart failure are results of hypoxia. COPD is often fatal. Over half the patients die within 2 years of their first episode of respiratory failure.
