Carolina Baham
February 3, 2015
Anatomy & Physiology and Pathophysiology I
Week 2 Assignment
1. What does C.O.P.D mean, and how does it cause breathing difficulties?
C.O.P.D. means chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the causes of breathing difficulties would be smoking, secondhand smoke, air pollution and environmental pollutants.
2. Why does chronic Bronchitis fit in the category of C.O.P.D?
Bronchitis fits in the category of C.O.P.D. because it is a buildup of mucus and a cough that is caused by inflamed bronchial tubes.
3. What are the major differences between Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis?
Emphysema involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs and Chronic Bronchitis is when the bronchial tubes are always inflamed and irritated .
4. Why is damage caused from Emphysema considered irreversible?
Emphysema is considered irreversible because it over time destructs the lungs.
5. In rare cases for those individuals that do not smoke what is a contributing factor that can cause them to be susceptible to the development of Emphysema?
The factor that can cause an individual who are a nonsmoker to develop Emphysema is the lack of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin.
6. How do Bronchodilators contribute to the alleviation of C.O.P.D.?
Bronchodilators help contribute to the alleviation of C.O.P.D. by helping to open up the airway.
7. Would an individual with C.O.P.D. have escalated levels of Oxygen in the blood stream, and why would this be?
No, a person with C.O.P.D. will not have escalated levels of oxygen in the bloodstream, because the lungs are either damaged or clogged with mucus and treatments would be needed to get oxygen to the lungs as quick as possible. If not them that person could pass away.
