Reference no: EM133836156

Assignment:

A 62-year-old male, former smoker with a 40-pack-year history, presents to the clinic with worsening shortness of breath over the past year. He reports a chronic productive cough, fatigue, and occasional wheezing. He finds it difficult to walk up a flight of stairs without stopping to catch his breath. The patient also mentions that he gets frequent respiratory infections, and the last one led to a three-day hospital stay. Physical examination reveals a barrel-shaped chest, use of accessory muscles for breathing, and decreased breath sounds with wheezes upon
auscultation. A chest X-ray shows hyperinflation of the lungs, and spirometry confirms a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio, consistent with COPD.

Using above clinical scenerial :

1. Explain pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the patient symptoms and why patient is susceptible to more frequent infections

2. Explain the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes of how smoking can lead to the changes seen in the lungs

3. Explain any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.

4. Explain factors in the patient's history and lifestyle that could have contributed to the development of COPD.

Be specific and provide three or more references