Discuss the etiology of COPD in relation to cigarette smoking.

What will be an ideal response?


Chronic bronchitis, one of the principal classifications of COPD, is diagnosed in persons with a productive cough and shortness of breath that last about 3 months or more each year for 2 or more years in a row. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause; the longer and more heavily a person smokes, the more likely it is that he or she will develop bronchitis. Secondhand smoke may also cause bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is seen in people of all ages but is more common in individuals over the age of 45. Females are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis than males. Emphysema develops gradually over years, usually also as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke. Approximately 95% of Americans diagnosed with emphysema are 45 years of age or older. Given that not all smokers develop severe emphysema, their susceptibility or resistance may be linked to genetic factors.

Nutritional Science

You might also like to view...

Which of the following structural features of fatty acids determines their susceptibility to spoilage by oxygen?

a. Chain length b. Number of double bonds c. Position of first saturated bond d. Size of adjacent fatty acids on the triglyceride molecule

Nutritional Science

Most outbreaks of listeriosis are linked to contaminated _____

a. hamburger b. soft cheese c. cattle d. honey e. eggs

Nutritional Science

Polypeptide chains are twisted and folded into a three-dimensional shape called the protein's _____ structure

a. primary b. secondary c. tertiary d. quaternary

Nutritional Science

All of the following foods are considered to especially promote tooth decay EXCEPT:

a. pretzels. b. taffy. c. chewy cookies. d. peanut butter.

Nutritional Science