Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiologic Processes Causing the Symptoms 

Cardiovascular and Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiologic Processes Causing the Symptoms 

The patient’s symptoms can be attributed to inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles due to exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke. The irritants elicit inflammation of the airways, vasodilation, mucosal edema, congestion, and bronchospasm (Brandsma et al., 2020). The patient has had chronic inflammation due to a long history of COPD. The inflammation increased the number and size of mucous glands, resulting in the production of copious amounts of thick mucus, which explains the patient’s symptoms of thick mucus and chronic cough (Choi & Rhee, 2020). Besides, the bronchial walls thicken, obstructing airflow.  

The bronchial wall thickening and excessive mucus obstruct some smaller airways and constrict larger ones. This explains the patient’s dyspnea. The excessive mucus becomes a breeding ground for microbes resulting in chronic low-grade infection. The most common infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae (Choi & Rhee, 2020). The patient’s fevers and green sputum are due to the low-grade infection, which could be caused by one of these bacteria.  

Racial/Ethnic Variables Impacting Physiological Functioning 

Cigarette smoking is considered the greatest risk factor for COPD. The prevalence of tobacco smoking is highest among Alaskan Natives and Northern Plains American Indians. It is also higher among African Americans (Hikichi et al., 2019). Therefore, individuals from these ethnic/racial groups with a history of smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke have a high risk of developing inflammation of the airways resulting in COPD. 

How These Processes Interact To Affect the Patient 

The pathophysiologic processes in COPD significantly affect the patient due to limitation in airflow caused by constriction of airways and obstruction of airflow. Consequently, oxygenation of all body tissues is affected. Reduced oxygenation can cause tissue anoxia and necrosis (Brandsma et al., 2020). The patient develops major complications due to reduced gas exchange and oxygenation levels, including hypoxemia, acidosis, respiratory infection, dysrhythmias, and cardiac failure. 

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