PULMONARY DISEASE, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE (COPD): AN OVERVIEW

Course overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening disease state characterized by inflammation and increasingly obstructed airflow in the lungs that is not entirely reversible with medication. COPD has historically been described as encompassing chronic bronchitis (i.e., inflammation of the bronchi and excessive mucus production in the trachea and bronchi, resulting in the presence of a daily productive cough for 3 months or more each year for 2 consecutive years) and emphysema (i.e., progressive and permanent distension of the alveoli that leads to destruction of alveolar walls and impaired gas exchange). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of current knowledge about COPD, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.