Pathology and Clinical Management of COPD
The
predominant pathologic changes of COPD are found within the airways; however,
changes are seen within the lung parenchyma and pneumonic vasculature. In an
individual, the pattern of pathologic changes depends on the underlying illness
(e.g., bronchitis,
emphysema, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), presumably individual
susceptibility, and illness severity. High resolution computerized axial
tomography can assess lung parenchyma, airways, and pneumonic vasculature.
About 62 % of patients with moderate to severe COPD report variability in
symptoms (e.g., dyspnea,
cough, sputum, wheezing, or chest tightness) over the course of the day or
week-to-week; morning is usually the worst time of day. An effective COPD
management objective includes four components: assess and monitor the disease;
reduce the risk factors; manage and stabilize COPD; manage the exacerbations.
The most important factor for the COPD is cigarette
smoking. The clinical management
techniques involved to reduce the exacerbation of these factors that affect
COPD must be developed in an efficient way.