Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Is Presently The Fourth Major Cause Of Death: Certificate in Adult Respiratory Nursing Practice Assignment, DKIT, Ireland

Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is presently the fourth major cause of death in the world. COPD places a huge burden on individuals, the Irish population, and the Health Service. The author would like to discuss this statement especially regarding infective and noninfective exasperation of COPD admissions to the author’s area of practice and the care that is provided to the COPD patient within the author’s work environment.

(COPD) is a common, avoidable and treatable disease that is associated with continuing persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is caused by airway / alveolar irregularity usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles  ( e.g asbestos) or gases. The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoking. Nonsmokers may also develop COPD ( passive smokers).

An exacerbation of COPD is explained as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that results in additional therapy. Exacerbations can be precipitated by several factors. The most common causes are respiratory viral infections although bacterial infections and environmental factors such as pollution may also initiate an exacerbation.

One method of treating an exasperation be it infective and/or noninfective exasperation is high flow oxygen (HFO) which is delivered nasally. HFO is also heated and humidified and can give rates up to 60L/min in adults. Patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure HFO may be used if standard oxygen therapy is not effective.

Another method is the use of non_invasive mechanical ventilation ( NIV) which is preferred over invasive ventilation ( drug-induced coma ) which is the initial mode of ventilation to treat acute respiratory failure in COPD. The author’s area of practice is the only area that can provide these modes of respiratory care.