Discuss the impact of LUNG DISEASE (excluding that caused by asbestos) Essay

Discuss the impact of LUNG DISEASE (excluding that caused by asbestos) in the workplace - Essay Example Though the air we inhale contains mostly oxygen and nitrogen, it also has things that can damage the lungs. Bacteria, viruses, tobacco smoke, car exhaust, and other pollutants ate present abundantly in air. People with lung disease have difficulty in normal breathing. These breathing problems may prevent the body from getting enough oxygen. It is not a surprise that people with lung disease find it difficult to work as normal people, walk and swim, run or does any other work as normal person. This paper discusses the impact of lung disease in the workplace. By understanding some basics about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its symptoms, it is possible to analyses its impact on the every day work or its impact on the workplace. COPD is a condition in which the air passages are damaged, leading to shortness of breath and increased coughing. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are forms of COPD. In the case of emphysema, the lung’s air sacs loose their elasticity. As a result of this the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide becomes very difficult. Additionally, the air sacs are often damaged, leaving fewer of them to do the work. These factors result in the shortness of breath and make it very difficult for a person to perform normal work. Chronic bronchitis is another form of COPD. In this case the small airways within the lungs become inflamed and harden over time. Besides the cilia which are the small protective hairs that clear mucus also losses its effectiveness and the mucus glands enlarge. The narrowed airways together with increased mucus cause congestion and coughing and make it more difficult to breathe. There are many who have both emphysema as well as chronic bronchitis. Most people with these diseases find breathing trouble to be the most problematic among the symptoms (Wilkinson, 2002). According to studies it is said that COPD is the only primary cause of death that is ever-increasing in occurrence. Even though it is a well known