COPD Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

COPD - Essay Example While a serious condition, it is a preventable and treatable condition. The disease progresses irreversibly, thus it is necessary to prevent and manage COPD. The patient in this case of COPD is Maggie, a previous smoker who was diagnosed with mild COPD. In order for Maggie to understand the causes and the management of COPD, she must be informed of the prevalence, risk factors, management and therapeutic option for the disease. The information she will gain will help her to prevent the chances of her disease progressing to a more severe stage, and will help her to understand why she has to take certain medications. Prevalence of COPD In 2000, 2.7 million deaths were attributed to COPD, with majority of the deaths occurring in the Western Pacific Region, China included. In developed and industrialized countries, COPD is to blame for 400,000 deaths (Lopez, et al., 2006). Moreover, in North America 3-4% of adults have COPD. It is estimated that 15-25% of persons forty years old and olde r have stage 1 mild COPD or airflow limitation. Since smoking was identified to be the biggest risk factor in COPD, the prevalence of COPD is much higher in smokers and ex-smokers in the 40 and above age group compared to younger individuals. COPD is also more prevalent in men than women (Lopez, et al., 2006), but this observation could be due to the higher number of male smokers. However, as the number of women smokers increase, so did the number of female deaths attributable to COPD (Ronnenberg, 2010). Risk factors for COPD Smoking cigarettes comprise the most important risk factor for COPD. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 80%-90% cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Frequent exposure to second-and smoke also increases the risk of having COPD. However, not all smokers will develop COPD, suggesting that environmental factors and genetic make-up contribute to its prevalence. As an example, COPD has been observed to be more common in whites despite the high number of smokers in the black population. It has also been shown that one type of emphysema is due to the deficiency of alpha-1-protease inhibitor (also known as alpha-1-antitrypsin, or AAT). This genetic defect affects approximately 70,000 Americans and accounts for 1%-3% of COPD cases (Sandford and Silverman, 2002). Another factor that can increase the risk for COPD is a history of childhood lung diseases, which can result in scarring of lungs and reduction of elasticity of the lungs. Exposure to gases, chemical and dust also increase the risk of COPD, and can lead to worsening of the condition, if an individual already has COPD (Ronnenberg, 2010). A study shows that exposure to wood smoke or charcoal smoke is highly related t the development of COPD. This is a common risk factor in developing countries and in Europe where wood or charcoal is used to fuel wood-based ovens (Orozco-Levi, et al., 2006). Stages of COPD severity The severity of COPD is classified by measuring the lung function level using spirometry. This is the process of measuring the breath of an individual. Among the Pulmonary Function Tests, spirometry is the most common. It measures the lung function by measuring the amount (volume) and speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is helpful in the assessment of COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis (Barreiro and Perillo, 2004). After conducting the initial spirometric test, a bronchodilator is administered. After this, a new round of tests is

Globalization of one commodity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Globalization of one commodity - Essay Example Instead, it is referred as the integration of commodities and labor markets among others. It has been ascertained that the nature pertaining to commodities along with commoditization within the global economies has greatly addressed the human societal structure. Further observations have revealed that complexity along with interconnectedness related to the global economy assists in the development of the analytical techniques (Cronon 97-130). In this regard, it has been assumed that these particular techniques will accelerate the trade between the multinational companies. The study related to the commodity chain basically offers solution to numerous globalization problems. It has been defined that â€Å"commodity chains are tools that enable one to study the operation of global capitalism beyond the territorial confines of the national economy† (Collins 1-2). The commodity chain assists in having a better understanding of the global connections. It further helps in the distrib ution of profits amidst the various commodities chain being framed. This study intends to discuss an important early phase i.e. early 20th century and prior in globalization related to a commodity i.e. coffee. The study will focus on evaluating the trend of progression of coffee as a globally used commodity that has viewed a major development within the past two centuries and beyond. In the era of 16th century, the Muslim coffee industry emerged with the arrival of the Europeans which facilitated in the ‘The Making of a Global commodity Out of Arabia’. It was in the year 1718 that coffee was transported to America from Europe. Correspondingly, it has been observed that the Dutch had forced the Javanese for production of coffee within the Asian colony. Later on, Amsterdam was transformed as the leading coffee ‘entrepot’ worldwide for centuries. It has been further revealed about globalization of coffee that the British were the first to provide coffee to Americans (Rivali