Consider both bronchitis and emphsema together under the rubric of COPD. Third leading cause of death in the United States, over 15 million persons with COPD. Cigratte smoking remains the principle cause Chronic dust and chemical perfume exposure are also contributing risk factors increased age, men, whites, and persons of lower socioeconomic status are more at risk

Inspired irritants result in airway inflammation with infiltration of neutrophilis, macrophages, and lymphocytes into bronchial chest wall. Continual bronchial inflammation causes bronchial edema, an increase in size and number of mucous glands and goblet cells in the airway epithelium, smooth muscle hypertrophy with fibrosis, and narrowing of the airway.

Bronchodilators

Mucolytics

Antioxidants

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Chest Physical Therapy

Oxygen

Based on hisotry of symptoms, physicalexamination, chest imaging, pulmonary function tests, andblood gas analysis

Cough with sputum production

Wheezing

Coarse Crackles

Tachycardia

Breath Sounds Decreased in Intensity

SOB with exertion

Clubbed Fingers

Barrel Chest

Cyanosis