D. D. is a 66 year-old female suffering from shortness of breath. She smoked 2 packs a day until she quit 2
years ago. She has a history of bronchiolitis, hyperinflated lungs, pulmonary edema, and syncope. Her primary
care practitioner suspects she also has pulmonary hypertension (PH). After examination, D. D. has a PAP of
35mmHg and mild CHF.
Citing scholarly resources, answer the following questions:
1)What is pulmonary hypertension and how could D. D. have developed PH?
2)How does her history fit in with her new diagnosis?
In addition to the two questions above, select ONE other question from the list below to complete your
discussion post. Be sure to cite the sources of your information and clearly identify which supplemental
question you chose to answer.
1)How many patients are suffering from COPD in the United States? Do COPD sufferers die of respiratory
causes or other causes? (Be sure to cite the data.)
2)What two separate diseases are the main COPD diseases? Give background on each disease.
3)How does COPD correlate with left ventricular pressure and primary heart failure?
4)What are the three types of bronchodilators, and how do they function to alleviate the symptoms of COPD?
What are other possible treatments for COPD?
5)Through which mechanism does bronchitis cause destruction of alveoli? Is emphysema genetic? Can environmental factors increase the risk of emphysema? Why or why not?
6)Is lung transplantation a solution for emphysema? Can new technology be useful in the treatment of emphysema? Why or why not?
Sample Solution
