Pathophysiology on COPD and Pneumonia

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of the bronchi and bronchioles caused by exposure to irritants, with cigarette smoke. The irritant triggers the inflammation, vasodilation, mucosal edema and congestion. Bronchitis affects the airway. (Workman, 2013)
The highest risk for COPD is smoking, the harmful effects of tobacco occurs because inhaled smoke triggers the release of excessive amounts of the proteases from cells in the lungs. These cells break down elastin, the major component of alveoli, smoking impaired cilia which stops cilia from clearing the bronchi of mucus, cellular debris, and fluid. (Workman, 2013)
The complications of COPD affect oxygenation of all the tissues. Major complications can result in tissue anoxia and death. Hypoxemia, acidosis, respiratory infection, cardiac failure, and dysrhythmias also are risk. Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by bacteria, a virus or fungi. Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Treatment depends on the cause of your pneumonia, how ...

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