APA format. 300 words, references. need by 2-13-2018 Compare and contrast the pathophysiology between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumococcal pneumonia. Include any types of cellular injury or cellular adaptation that may occur. Evaluate if an inflammatory response is present and discuss the impact of that response. In the case of COPD, discuss the type of patient education you would implement to help with the patient’s understanding of the disease and to improve compliance with a treatment plan.

Comparing and contrasting the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive

COPD is a progressive, chronic respiratory condition characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible restriction of airflow. COPD is caused by long-term exposures to air pollution or dusts from the workplace. The pneumococcal infection is an acute, bacterial infection that occurs when Streptococcus pneumococcum infects the lungs, causing inflammation. This leads to a reduction of gas exchange and a consolidation.

COPD occurs when cellular adaptation is caused by prolonged exposure of irritants. It leads to hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and goblet cell and smooth-muscle cells. In addition, the alveolar walls lose their elasticity. This leads to a decreased surface, which results in air trapped and impaired gas exchanging. COPD has an inflammatory reaction characterized by neutrophils (inflammatory cells), macrophages (inflammatory cells), and T lymphocytes. These inflammatory cell types release pro-inflammatory proteases and cytokines that lead to airway remodeling and tissue destruction.

Similar to pneumococcal infection, Streptococcus pneumoniae invasion in the lung triggers an inflammatory reaction. The bacteria release virulence factors that activate the host’s immune system and induce a strong inflammatory response. This inflammation leads to alveolar damage, fluid exudation, and cell debris, resulting in a consolidated lungs, with impaired gas exchange.

Patient education in the management of COPD symptoms and compliance to treatment plans is crucial. Smoking cessation should be discussed, along with medication compliance and pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients also need to learn about the importance in avoiding respiratory irritations. Patients should also be educated on how to identify worsening symptoms, and know when they need to consult a doctor. By educating patients on the importance of following treatment plans, you can prevent hospitalizations and exacerbations.

Conclusion: While COPD and pneumococcal lung infection differ in their chronicity and etiology, they have common pathophysiological characteristics such as inflammation and impaired gas exchanging. In order to manage COPD, prevent exacerbations and reduce hospitalizations while improving quality of life, patient education is essential.

References:

Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease (2020). The global strategy for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention chronic obstructive lung disease. https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/GOLD-2020-FINAL-ver1.2-03Dec19_WMV.pdf

Musher, D. M., & Thorner, A. R. (2014). Community-acquired pneumonia. New England Journal of Medicine 371 (17), 1619-1628. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1312885