The pathophysiology of COPD is the understanding of the structural changes that occur in the body as a result of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The complexity of COPD and its nature of prolonged existence without detection as well as the difficulty in defining this condition precisely necessitates this study and offers an insight into the pathophysiology of COPD. For those who are suffering from this disease, knowing what changes to observe may help you in seeking treatment at the right time. Thanks to the ever-increasing number of COPD patients, COPD pathophysiology may be helpful in tracing COPD signs and symptoms. This way, we can effectively manage this condition.

We would be very wrong if we relied entirely on the doctors to enlighten us on what steps we need to take to manage COPD. We have a significant role to play as far as managing this disease is concerned. COPD occurs in four different stages – each of which is characterized by specific changes in the body. Pathophysiology of COPD is therefore important in helping us understand what to observe at each stage. This will, in turn, help us manage the situation and prevent further spread. Besides, this will also help us draw the line between fats and myths.

To most of us, when we are told that we are in our “end-stage COPD,” we will take this as a death sentence. The agony, confusion, and fear may be unbearable- more or so when we do not have an idea of the pathophysiology of COPD. This is precisely why we need to get the facts right! Broadly, there are four stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease depended on calculated tests – commonly known as normal predictions.

In the first stage, concerning the normal predictions, “forced expiratory volume per second” (FEV1) is about eighty percent. In this stage, the patient may not have any visible changes (symptoms) in his body. Here, the COPD is still mild.

In stage two, the FEV1 averages 65 percent of the average prediction. This is the moderate stage of COPD and changes such as coughs, shirt breaths and exertion might be seen.

Pathophysiology of COPD also helps us understand whether the inflammation has reached its third stage – severe COPD. Here, we expect to see frequent exacerbations, short breaths, and at times, extra hospitalization. The FEV1 decreases to less than 40 percent.

In the fourth stage, Fev1 is below thirty percent typically suggests that the condition has reached a very severe stage. Stage IV is often frequently referred to as the “end-stage.”

Pathophysiology of COPD is not a bed of roses as it is quite hard to appreciate. It is meant to exhibit the structural changes in the airways, dysfunctions of the cilia and the responses to the inflammatory. All these are responsible for blocking the airways of the lungs. Excessive smoking as well as over inhalation of lung irritants such as pollens, contaminated air, smoke, dust and a variety of other lung-damaging chemicals; leads to responses of COPD. This makes pathophysiology of COPD difficult.

Whereas inhalers can be used to treat some COPD symptoms such as the productive coughs; they may not always replicate the same results for every patient. Breathlessness and the wheezing problem might not be eased by modern medications. One of the ways to ensure that the pathophysiology of COPD is somewhat successful is to avoid altogether or stop everything that will accelerate the situation. If you are damn serious about fighting this disease, then you’ve got little or no choice other than quit smoking!

Smoking, Life Expectancy, and Pathophysiology of COPD.

Every day, close to 250 people around the world succumb to COPD complications. This is because even in 2017, there has not yet been a precise pathophysiology of COPD. As such, late-stage COPD diagnosis may sometimes be discovered too late and by the time where the situation is out of hand. Early detection is the key to success, so If the disorder is not detected early enough, the patients’ life expectancy may be significantly reduced.

Tobacco smoking is the chief cause of COPD, though there are other causative factors as well. The beauty with lungs is that they can tremendously restore their functioning capabilities but again; this will be dependent on how soon you quit smoking.

However, if COPD has advanced to the third or fourth stages, quitting smoking alone may not be enough to increase your life expectancy. It needs to be combined with other treatment methods such as oxygen therapy. Your continued smoking complicates further the pathophysiology of COPD.