Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD Healthcare

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare: COPD

The pathophysiology involving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) indicates that airway inflammation causes narrowing, resulting in difficulties in air passage (Gundry, 2019). The airflow limitation creates hindrances for the person in breathing as loss of alveoli, terminal bronchioles, and surrounding tissues are damaged. The inflammation\\\\\\\'s severity indicates the restriction in airflow since it signifies the presence of secretions and the development of fibrosis. The signs and symptoms include becoming hard for the patient in gas transferring, decrease in air ventilation in and out of the body, trouble in breathing, elevated levels of carbon dioxide deteriorating the progress of the entire body. Other symptoms include regular coughing or sneezing, extra phlegm, lack of breath, and sometimes trouble taking a deep breath.

With Mr. Brown being diagnosed with COPD ten years ago, there is an excess in phlegm and mucus blockage and narrowing in the air passages. The vital signs show that inflammation and infection have now increased that could cause fever. The heart rate has increased due to possible excess of carbon dioxide, and inflow and outflow of ventilation have become harder. The imbalance of ventilation quantities of oxygen and carbon dioxide and the rise in blood pressure levels are evident from the vital signs of Mr. Brown.

According to GOLD standards of care, the goals of care for Mr. Brown include immediate smoking cessation, vaccination, healthy and active lifestyle with inclusion of exercise, education about self-management such as managing risks, learning accurate inhaler technique, management of breathlessness, and action plan in written form, so that reference to the plan becomes convenient in times of emergency (Halpin, 2021). Inflammation could be treated with medications and oxygen therapy. Further, avoid going out in cold weather and restore optimum ventilation.

After one to two weeks, the follow-up would be conducted through e-health methods since technology is the fastest way to communicate and help patients in dire need. Chest- X-rays and valuation of the lungs could be sent by email so that timely assessments could be done for further analysis. Instructions about using an inhaler to keep the airways clean and reduce shortness of breath would be continued, along with checking on his medicine adherence.