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Predisposing Factors

Age Genetics Socioeconomic Status

Precipitating Factors

Smoker Second hand smoker Exposure to air pollution Recurrent respiratory infection

Inflammation and fibrosis of the bronchial wall, along with excess mucus secretion

Obstructs airflow and cause mismatching of ventilation and

perfusion

Destruction of alveolar tissue decreases the surface area for gas exchange and loss of

elastic fibers leads airway collapse

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Infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the mucosal areas

The elastin and fiber network of the alveoli are broken

Vasodilation, congestion, and edema of the bronchial mucosa

As a compensatory mechanism, the alveoli enlarge but the walls are damaged

Thickening due to excessive mucus plug formation and rigidity of bronchi.

Consistent destruction of the alveoli and alveolar walls

Narrowing of air passagesEnlargement of acini

Reduction in the alveolar diffusing space and some tissue changes

Chronic Bronchitis Pulmonary Emphysema

Legend:

- COPD disease process

- COPD subtype disease process

- Precipitating and Predisposing Factors

- Disease process main flow

- Possible disease process flow

Source/Reference:

Porth, C. (2002). Alterations in Respiration: Alterations in Ventilation and Gas Exchange. In Pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states (6th ed., pp. 645-646). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Cardinoza, J. (2012). Schematic diagram of copd. Retrieved September 15, 2015, from http://www.slideshare.net/JaneRoseCardinoza/schematic-diagram-of-copd

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease