Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are the most prevalent forms of pulmonary diseases, and the global burden associated with these conditions is increasing worldwide. Ehteshami-Afshar, Fitzgerald, Doyle-Waters, and Sadatsafavi (2016) reported that COPD and asthma are key causes of productivity loss and key drivers of medical costs, both directly and indirectly. Additionally, the study established that chronic respiratory diseases form a major class of the non-communicable diseases, which are the highest cause of morbidity and mortality in the modern world (Ehteshami-Afshar et al., 2016). In support of the insights presented in the study, Labonte, et al., (2016) reported that most cases of COPD remain undiagnosed due to being less symptomatic. However, their health services needs add to the cost of diagnosed cases considerably. The literature review entails a deep analysis of several aspects of pulmonary diseases, with more attention paid to COPD and asthma. The review is divided into several categories based on the insights obtained from the peer-reviewed articles. Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Diseases Biegelman and Bacharier (2016) conducted a study focused on identifying the relationship between asthma and respiratory infections occurring during the early stages of life. COPD consists of two main conditions; emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It can also present as a combination of both. Chronic bronchitis occurs following inflammation and increased mucus production within the airways. The additional mucus or swelling causes reduction of the lumen of the airways, making breathing difficult. On the other hand, emphysema occurs as a result of damage to the alveoli. Once damaged, the alveoli lose their elasticity, and the lungs are unable to expel all the air (Biegelman & Bacharier, 2016). Asthma may occur as a result of several pathophysiologic factors, such as bronchial inflammation. The inflammation leads to constriction and resistance within the airways. Increased mucus production also leads to blockage of the airways. Evidence pointing at a possible relationship between a history of life viral infections and the development of asthma has been building up over the years. Biegelman and Bacharier (2016) conclude that early life infections play a crucial role in asthma development in later stages of life. Viruses such as human rhinovirus and syncytial virus have been identified as some of the major antecedents of childhood asthma. Interactions between the particular virus, environmental, and genetic factors cause the disease. Causes of Pulmonary Diseases Scholars agree on the findings that pulmonary diseases are caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors (Guan, Zheng, Chung, & Zhing, 2016; Concroft, 2018). Prolonged exposure to irritants that damage the airways and the lungs leads to COPD. Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of COPD, especially in developed countries. Inhalation of other types of pollutants such as chemicals, cooking fumes, and smoke are the leading causes of COPD in the developing world. However, air pollution is still a huge concern in several dev...