Pathophysiology & Clinical Findings of the Disease 1.Are the spirometry results consistent with obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease? What is the most likely pulmonary diagnosis for this patient?

After careful review of the spirometry results it seems that the patient is suffering from obstructive pulmonary disease. Spirometry results follow an obstructive pattern, meaning that the patient recorded a decreased forced vital capacity (FVC), decreased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), decreased FEV1/FVC ration, and an increased total lung capacity (TLC). The most likely pulmonary diagnosis for this patient given the chronicity and spirometry results is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 2.Explain the pathophysiology associated with the chosen pulmonary disease. COPD is the result of two combined processes known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In chronic bronchitis repeated inspired irritants cause inflammation of the airway, resulting in increased edema and the size/number of mucous glands. These glands produce thick tenacious mucus, which causes obstruction and narrowing of the smaller airways. This leads to airflow limitation and the destruction and loss of alveoli, terminal bronchioles and surrounding capillary vessels and tissues