Complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, most often involve the lungs and the heart, as they work in unison to provide oxygen to the body. Warning signs of impending complications may include shortness of breath, wheezing, a low oxygen level or a high carbon dioxide level, fever, chest pain or tightness and eventually respiratory or cardiac failure. According to the American Lung Association, COPD is a leading cause of death, illness and disability in the United States.
Process
The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease process is characterized by a progressive obstruction of airflow associated with an abnormal and recurrent inflammatory response of the lung to allergens, environmental pollutants, stress and infection. This disease process includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sometimes asthma and bronchiectasis.
Effects
Respiratory Infections are the most common complication of COPD. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, viral and bacterial respiratory infections cause more hospitalizations and deaths in COPD sufferers than any other cause. When an individual suffering from airway inflammation, poor oxygenation, difficulty breathing, wheezing and confusion visits the emergency room, tests often confirm a respiratory infection. Most often, bronchodilators and corticosteroids can relieve the symptoms, but a 10-day course of antibiotics is often prescribed to treat the infection. With each subsequent infection, the respiratory system becomes more and more compromised.
Progression
As COPD progresses, there is a gradual decline in lung function. Infections become more frequent, mucous production becomes more difficult to manage and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels become more difficult to maintain, creating inadequate gas exchange.
Considerations
As oxygen and carbon dioxide levels become more unstable, the body tries to adjust to lower blood oxygen by increasing the production of red blood cells containing hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition, called polycythemia, is often a complication of COPD. Eventually the overproduction of red blood cells will begin to clog small blood vessels.
Time Frame
End stage COPD often develops into respiratory distress and respiratory failure. As a result, a patient may become cyanotic, showing a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, due to lack of oxygen. In advanced stages of COPD, respiratory failure can occur. According to the American Lung Association, carbon dioxide increases due to poor oxygenation, shallow breathing and fatigue. The heart works harder to oxygenate the body, causing swelling of the lower extremities and severe shortness of breath. Individuals may choose to be placed on a ventilator, or be allowed to die a natural death.
