From the Guidelines
Lung health is crucial for overall well-being, and maintaining it involves avoiding smoking, minimizing exposure to air pollutants, and practicing deep breathing exercises, as well as managing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through proper diagnosis and treatment. The lungs are vital respiratory organs in humans that facilitate gas exchange between the atmosphere and bloodstream. Located in the chest cavity on either side of the heart, lungs are spongy, air-filled organs that expand and contract during breathing. The right lung has three lobes while the left lung has two lobes, making space for the heart. When we inhale, oxygen enters through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and branches into bronchi that lead to each lung. These bronchi further divide into smaller bronchioles, ending in tiny air sacs called alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occurs. The alveoli are surrounded by capillaries, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream while carbon dioxide is removed. This process is essential for cellular metabolism throughout the body. The lungs are protected by the ribcage and covered by a membrane called the pleura.
Some key points to consider in lung health include:
- The diagnosis of COPD is first suspected when a patient complains of a cough, sputum production, dyspnea, or recurrent lower respiratory infections 1.
- Chest radiography is generally performed during the initial diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected COPD to exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms and signs 1.
- Computed tomography (CT) can estimate the degree of emphysema and its distribution and identify bronchial wall thickening and gas trapping, which can help differentiate between structural abnormalities that cause airflow limitation 1.
- The risk of lung cancer is increased among patients with COPD, but it is inversely related to the degree of airflow obstruction, and patients with COPD are considered good candidates to be screened for lung cancer, especially if they have radiological findings 1.
In terms of managing lung health, it is essential to:
- Avoid smoking and minimize exposure to air pollutants 1.
- Practice deep breathing exercises to improve lung function 1.
- Get regular check-ups and screenings for conditions like COPD and lung cancer 1.
- Follow proper treatment plans for managing conditions like COPD, including medication and lifestyle changes 1.
From the Research
Lung Function and Rehabilitation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a core component in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2, 3
- PR includes exercise training, self-management education, and psychosocial and nutritional intervention 3
- The goal of PR is to achieve the maximal level of independence, autonomy, and functioning of the patient 2
Treatment and Management
- Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids are used to treat asthma-COPD overlap 4
- Long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) is associated with decreased risk of myocardial infarction in patients with asthma-COPD overlap 4
- The combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and LABA appears to reduce the risk of death or hospitalization in patients with COPD 4, 5
Assessment and Evaluation
- A full respiratory assessment is an essential skill for all nurses, including initial assessment, history taking, inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and further investigations 6
- Clinical examination of the patient involves inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to gather information about the patient's condition 6