Pulmonary Impairments

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

irreversible, progressive, chronic obstruction of the airway. ex: emphysema and chronic bronchitis

emphysema

small airways (bronchioles) walls lose elasticity at the junction with air sacs (areoles), making it hard to dilate and constrict to move air

chronic bronchitis

structural change in bronchi (large airways). develop a large amount of mucus (mucus glands enlarge), leading to the deep, hoarse coughs. 

asthma

an irritant that causes inflammation that can be helped with meds like an inhaler. can be reversible. airways narrow which causes wheezing

respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

lung has a hard time transferring oxygen to blood (where it needs to be to get to other organs so they can function)

pulmonary hypertension

rare condition where blood pressure in pulmonary artery is above normal

hantavirus

from mouse droppings (breathing it in) which causes an infection attacks the lungs

pneumonia

many different types and comes from physical inactivity. older adults and PWDs get it and die because they sit and lay down a lot and don’t have a good immune system

cystic fibrosis

genetic and very serious. abnormal thick, sticky mucous is produced which affects the air’s ability to move

tuberculosis

infectious disease that mostly impacts the lungs caused by bacteria

therapeutic recreation

low impact physical exercises, increase endurance in small steps, stress management, social activities can help motivate, and leisure ed (also remember that standing and sitting requires endurance)