MODULE SUPPLEMENT: PULMONARY SYSTEM
Case 1: Mr. Ray

Mr. Ray is a 72 year old retired foundry worker with a 60 pack year smoking history. He currently has significant disability from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His pulmonary function tests (PFTs) show a decreased FEV1 and increased residual volume.

To learn more about PFTs and their interpretation see: Interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests: Spirometry (Note: This link will open in a new browser window, which you can close to return here.)

Pulmonary function, or the respiratory system's ability to function effectively and to meet the body's demands, is closely associated with the functional status of both the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Musculo-skeletal growth mirrors lungs development. Although the lungs usually reach maturity by about age 20--24 (De Martinis & Timiras, 2003), the structure and function of the lung at maturity varies between people (Krumpe, et al, 1985), and maturation can extend into the third decade in males. During this maturation process the lung is especially vulnerable to environmental insults, like smoking--normal cigarettes or marijuana--and air pollution (Dockery, DW et al, 1988; De Martinis & Timiras, 2003).