The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment

The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment

After completing Module 4 in Shadow Health, compare the pathophysiology of asthma and COPD.
How are they similar?
How are they different?
Include a summary of what you found helpful in this module or what was not helpful.
Directions:
The assignment should be at least 2 pages
The paper should be in APA format and include:
Title page
Appropriate citations
Reference page
Introduction/Conclusion
Include at least three scholarly reference (this is a peer reviewed research article) to support the assignment
Provide references in APA format following your summary The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment

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Introduction

Agusti and Hogg (2019) define chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an illness that causes airflow obstruction and respiratory problems. On the other hand, Hammad and Lambrecht (2021) describe Asthma as an illness in which a person’s airways narrow and swell, leading to extra mucus formation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial Asthma are two types of obstructive pulmonary disease that adversely affect millions worldwide. Asthma is a primary global health concern that affects approximately 400 million people. COPD is a significant contributor to chronic mortality and morbidity and a critical public health issue globally. COPD is the world’s primary cause of mortality, and a further significant increase in its predominance and death rates is expected. Despite the numerous similarities between COPD and Asthma, there are also considerable differences. The following essay, therefore, elaborates on the comparison between the pathophysiology of Asthma and COPD The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment.

Similarities in the pathophysiology of Asthma and COPD

Usmani (2019) indicate that the significant similarity between COPD “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” and Asthma is that they are both lung diseases. The two illnesses lead to swelling in an individual’s airway thus making it difficult for the person to breathe. Both are chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the air passages and confine the flow of air. Another similarity is that gene-environment interactions cause both, and they both are defined by bronchoconstriction and mucus. The two health conditions also share some common symptoms. For instance, just like people having Asthma, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma and COPD might have severe, most dangerous symptoms, and signs like respiratory distress, bluish skin discoloration, and death are likely to happen. It is also imperative to note that the inflammation patterns become similar in COPD and asthma exacerbations.

Both COPD and Asthma have certain similarities in the method of treatment. COPD and Asthma are severe conditions with no curative treatment. The goal of treatment is to keep the symptoms under control. Breathing problems caused by asthma attacks and COPD frequently necessitate using both long-acting and short-acting inhalers. Allergy treatment could also be beneficial if allergies are a trigger. Specific individuals with Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease take long-acting bronchodilators, which aim to reduce Inflammation in their airways and make breathing easier. Changes in lifestyle might also be beneficial. Avoiding allergens, stopping smoking, getting sufficient exercise, and preventing ailments such as the flu might considerably lower symptoms of both illnesses (Hammad & Lambrecht, 2021)The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment.

Differences in the pathophysiology of Asthma and COPD

Even though both COPD and Asthma are acute inflammatory lung diseases, the nature of the Inflammation that happens is possibly the most significant difference between the two disorders. According to Agusti and Hogg (2019), Inflammation is generally triggered by eosinophils in Asthma, whereas neutrophils are implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is an essential difference since the nature of Inflammation influences how drugs work. Corticosteroids are efficacious against eosinophilic Inflammation but ultimately ineffective against neutrophilic Inflammation. Exacerbations of Asthma caused by viral infections can induce an increase in eosinophils along with neutrophil proliferation. In addition, eosinophil counts might also rise during COPD exacerbations. This aids in comprehending why corticosteroids are prescribed to COPD patients to treat acute or recurring exacerbations.

Badnjevic et al. (2018) indicate that the pathophysiological of Asthma covers three prominent abnormalities: airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucous impaction. For those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, this begins with the deterioration of the lungs’ small air sacs and airways. The symptoms evolve from mucus-filled coughing to respiratory difficulties. There is no repairing the harm caused by COPD The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment.

George and Bender (2019) indicate that Asthma causes blockage due to bronchial smooth muscle compression, hyper-reactivity to allergic reactions, and Inflammation associated with excessive eosinophils and activated T-cells. Airway smooth muscle is not generally constrained in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and blockage is caused primarily by mucus production and secretion and mucosal infiltration by inflammatory cells. The whole process results in cellular destruction and alveolar structure loss. In COPD, mucus hyper-secretion and cellular damage are linked to bronchoconstriction. Inflammation is particularly pronounced during severe disease exacerbations. Cellular damage gradually starts with inflammation alterations in the lung tissue brought on by smoking and other pollutants. Emphysema is associated with a loss of lung elastic tissue and degradation of the alveolar structure due to alveolar ducts, bronchioles, and alveoli being damaged by inflammatory cells. In chronic bronchitis, mucous invasion by inflammatory cells results in cell injury to the airways mucosal and causes a bad cough and elevated sputum output. Most concerning, COPD-related structural and cellular abnormalities impede pulmonary circulation and oxygenation, which could strain the cardiovascular system more. Besides, COPD-related cellular destruction and structural changes intrude with pulmonary circulation and oxygenation. Individuals having Asthma might improve gradually since the symptoms come and go. At some point, one can go for extended periods without experiencing any symptoms. On the other hand, COPD symptoms persist and become worse with time.

Summary of what I found helpful

The module has broadened my understanding of the pulmonary system. I have learned the systems, how it works and the various illnesses that may affect the lungs. Asthma and COPD have always been my favorite subtopics, and the lecture notes helped boost my understanding of the two illnesses. Through the module, healthcare practitioners must use their knowledge and experience to ensure appropriate prescribing. However, the practitioners need to remember that, unfortunately, in medical care, distinguishing between the two diseases, particularly in older adults, can sometimes be challenging. Furthermore, patients with long-standing or extreme Asthma, particularly those with inadequately controlled underpinning inflammation, could still convey persistent unrecoverable bronchoconstriction with reduced fixed lung function due to reshaping within the airway The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment.

As a result, diagnosing Asthma can be difficult, and these patients might be incorrectly labeled as having COPD. Furthermore, a bronchodilator can overturn blockage in ten percent of Patients with COPD, and their nasal passages behave similarly to those with Asthma, responding to systemic corticosteroids. It should also be noted that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Asthma can coexist. Smokers having Asthma are more susceptible to developing COPD. Even though Asthma and COPD share numerous resemblances, the emphasis on diagnosis and the outcomes that could be anticipated vary. A greater understanding of these distinctions will contribute to better results for such patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is imperative to note that Asthma and COPD are serious infections. However, the discussion reveals that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is much more severe than Asthma. Considering the similarities the two illnesses possess, nurse practitioners might sometimes get confused because they are not keen. This calls for the practitioners to be sensitive and apply knowledge and skills when diagnosing and treating the two diseases to ensure they issue a correct prescription. The discussion also indicates that there is no direct cure for the two illnesses; however, it is vital to put the symptoms under control and mainly focus on changing lifestyle.

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References

Agustí, A., & Hogg, J. C. (2019). Update on the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(13), 1248-1256.

Badnjevic, A., Gurbeta, L., & Custovic, E. (2018). An expert diagnostic system to automatically identify Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in clinical settings. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1-9.

George, M., & Bender, B. (2019). New insights to improve treatment adherence in Asthma and COPD. Patient preference and adherence, 13, 1325.

Hammad, H., & Lambrecht, B. N. (2021). The basic immunology of Asthma. Cell, 184(6), 1469-1485.

Usmani, O. S. (2019). Choosing the right inhaler for your asthma or COPD patient. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 15, 461. The Pathophysiology Of Asthma And COPD Assignment