Essay on COPD: A Life-Threatening Condition Affecting Millions Worldwide

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a cluster of diseases affecting the lungs that occur progressively, the most prevalent being chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, to mention a few. These conditions mostly happen simultaneously. The inveterate blockage of airflow into the lungs primarily characterizes the condition which adversely disrupts normal respiratory functioning. Such conditions pose a steady threat to human survival. The vast figures associated with the COPD condition and high mortality witnessed globally as a result of this condition prompts my extensive research on it and possible ways to solve this menace.

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According to previous medical researches, an estimated thirty million of the USA inhabitants have been diagnosed with most living with the condition unknowingly. The diagnosis of such a disease is confirmed through observation of symptoms, imaging tests, blood tests, and the Spirometry test that focuses on the depth one can breathe and the airflow speed in and out of the lungs.

Most of the developed countries, for instance, USA, record a high number of COPD patients annually because of cigarette smoking, proven to be the most common cause of this condition. COPD is highly infectious and mostly associated with older people from the age of 40 (Burney et al. ,2015). Apart from smoking, it can also be caused by exposure to contaminant chemicals and fumes from industries, air pollution, dust inhalation, and some genetic factors, to mention a few. Indeed, if exposed to the above elements, it is eminent to develop the condition.

Consequently, COPD is associated with numerous symptoms, which may at first appear to be mild. The condition is graded into four stages to determine its severity: mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe, respectively. In the mild stage, one may depict spasmodic coughing and dyspnea, which progressively increase as the disease spreads in the lungs. In the latter stages of the condition, an individual may display breathing difficulty, increased heartbeat, bluish lips or fingernails, and faintness.

At this stage, expeditious medical attention is needed on the patient. COPD can be treated through a series of practices such as lifestyle changes, medications like bronchodilators, and at times, if necessary, a lung transplant may be performed (Pauwels & Rabe, 2004). Since there is no specified cure for this condition, it is significantly essential for a COPD patient to strictly adhere to the medical expert's advice and keep up healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Based on global statistics, COPD is one of the major fatal diseases and the leading cause of hospital confinements in economically developed nations (Viegi et al., 2001). Therefore, since this condition portrays inauspicious impacts, medical practitioners must respond to the rising cases urgently.

Conclusion

To sum up, the extensive research carried out on this fast-rising human killer condition is highly essential because it provides a wide range of guidelines which, if stipulated, will ensure that the related patients receive the best medical care. Nurses have a pivotal role in caring for COPD patients through actively participating in the diagnosis process, assist patients in accepting their conditions, and sensitizing them on how to manage themselves.

In my future workplace, I would uphold the implementation of the preceding roles as a nurse since it is every nurse's mission to provide the best healthcare to all kinds of patients. If I were a COPD patient, I would highly conform to the medical stipulations provided by my nurse and doctor for me to live comfortably with this condition. It is hence possible for an individual to live with COPD if and only if they learn to follow the medical guidelines provided.

References

Burney, P. G., Patel, J., Newson, R., Minelli, C., & Naghavi, M. (2015). Global and regional trends in COPD mortality, 1990-2010. European Respiratory Journal, 45(5), 1239-1247. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00142414

Pauwels, R. A., & Rabe, K. F. (2004). Burden and clinical features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Lancet, 364(9434), 613-620. Retrieved from, https://www.resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(02)80028-2/pdf

Viegi, G., Scognamiglio, A., Baldacci, S., Pistelli, F., & Carrozzi, L. (2001). Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiration, 68(1), 4-19. Retrieved from, https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/breathing-in-america/resources/chapter-5-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease.pdf