Chronic obstructive airways disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a disease most often described as a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema refers to lung tissue dysfunction or damage which results in the person having to breathe in a more exaggerated fashion in order to get sufficient amounts of oxygen.
Chronic bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs and is associated with excess mucus secretion and coughing, lasting months or years.
Symptoms and characteristics:
The symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include:
- blue tinge to the skin due to lack of oxygen
- breathlessness upon exertion eventually leading to constant breathlessness
- coughing
- excess mucus production due to chronic bronchitis
- expansion of the ribcage due to expansion of the lungs
- fatigue
- susceptibility to chest infections.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
The damaged airways caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease don’t regenerate, leading to a gradual loss of quality of life. However, lung function can be improved and symptoms can be relieved by adopting appropriate management strategies. In the workplace this may involve avoiding irritants such as gases, fumes and dust, as well as avoiding extremes in temperature. Tolerance for physical exertion may also be limited with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, therefore less physically strenuous duties in the workplace are recommended.
(The Australian Lung Foundation 2008; myDr.com.au 2006; Better Health Channel 2007)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2007, Emphysema explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne , viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Emphysema_explained>.
myDr.com.au 2006, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: COPD, MIMS,St Leonards, viewed 18 December 2008 <http://www.mydr.com.au/default_new.asp?article=3635>.
The Australian Lung Foundation 2008, What is COPD?, The Australian Lung Foundation, Lytwyche, viewed 18 December 2008, <http://www.lungnet.com.au/content/view/113/136/ >.