Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an irreversible, preventable respiratory disease characterized by airflow limitation and obstruction that is usually progressive. COPD affects millions of people globally and over $7 billion dollars is spent on COPD related hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. This poster includes information focused on COPD, the underlying pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, nursing care implications, and treatment. Methods: Research articles within the last five years were obtained using keywords such as COPD, pathophysiology, treatment, prevention, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis from databases EBSCO and PubMed. The data and quality of these articles were assessed and information compiled to create an educational poster on the topic. Conclusion: COPD is a progressive and irreversible respiratory disease comprised of two phenotypes: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Management of this disease is focused on symptom control and exacerbation prevention. Slowing down the development through pharmaceutical and lifestyle management is paramount in reducing the severity and progressiveness of this disease