Chronic obstructive airways disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease most often described as a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema refers to lung tissue dysfunction or damage which results in the person having to breathe in a more exaggerated fashion in order to get sufficient amounts of oxygen (i.e. reduction of lung capacity causing breathlessness).
Chronic bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs and is associated with excess mucus secretion and coughing, lasting months or years.
Symptoms and characteristics
The symptoms of COPD include:
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blue tinge to the skin due to lack of oxygen
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breathlessness upon exertion
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coughing
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eventually, breathlessness all the time
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excess mucus production due to chronic bronchitis
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expansion of the ribcage due to expansion of the lungs
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fatigue
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susceptibility to chest infections.
Statistics
In 2006 over 1 million Australians were estimated to have COPD. It was also rated as the third leading cause of disease after heart disease and stroke (The Australian Lung Foundation 2006).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Emphysema explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne , viewed 17 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Emphysema_explained>.
myDr.com.au, 2006, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: COPD, MIMS,St Leonards, viewed 17 March 2007 <http://www.mydr.com.au/default_new.asp?article=3635>.
The Australian Lung Foundation 2006, The Australian Lung Foundation today calls on Federal Government to prioritise Australia’s fifth1 largest killer, COPD, The Australian Lung Foundation, Lytwyche, viewed 17 March 2007, <http://www.lungnet.org.au/download_pdf/2006_n_national_release_final.pdf>.