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COPD Pathogenesis and Complications

Genetic and environmental factors can damage the lungs over time, decreasing their ability to prevent harm and repair themselves. This allows free radicals and inflammation to destroy lung tissue, reducing elasticity and structural support. As a result, air becomes trapped and airways narrow, leading to hyperinflated and damaged lungs - the clinical definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Maria Vhanesa Abuyan
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86 views1 page

COPD Pathogenesis and Complications

Genetic and environmental factors can damage the lungs over time, decreasing their ability to prevent harm and repair themselves. This allows free radicals and inflammation to destroy lung tissue, reducing elasticity and structural support. As a result, air becomes trapped and airways narrow, leading to hyperinflated and damaged lungs - the clinical definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Uploaded by

Maria Vhanesa Abuyan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

COPD: Pathogenesis

Genetic Susceptibility Environmental insult to lungs


(i.e. a1-AT Deficiency) (i.e. long term smoking, pollution, infection)

Decreased Lung’s ability to


Free radicals Inactivation lung anti-
prevent damage to lung
produced in lungs proteases
tissue

Lung inflammation
Increased oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, amd
protease function

Increase proteolytic destruction


of lung parenchyma

Decreased
Decreased airway Permanent enlargement
structural
elasticity ( recoil of alveoli
supports for
ability)
airway patency

Trapping of air Airway narrowing Hyper- Bullae (easily


within lungs and collapse inflated ruptured air sacs) on
lungs lung surface

Emphysema

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Clinical Findings Complications

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