169k views
4 votes
A patient with a 40-year smoking history comes to the clinic. Which disorder is this patient at risk for?

1) Alcoholism and hypertension
2) Obesity and diabetes
3) Stress-related illnesses
4) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

A patient with a 40-year smoking history is at significant risk for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as cardiovascular problems, various cancers, and other health issues such as kidney disease and increased risk of infections. Option 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with a 40-year smoking history is at substantial risk for several disorders, with the most directly related being Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) option 4. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, which involves the breakdown of alveoli walls, reducing the lungs' ability to perform gas exchange. Additionally, smoking can lead to a plethora of cardiovascular problems, including higher chances of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes due to damage to the cardiovascular system.

Beyond COPD and cardiovascular diseases, smoking is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, especially lung cancer. It can exacerbate chronic kidney disease, enhance the risk of infectious diseases, and lead to other adverse health effects like erectile dysfunction, female infertility, and slow wound healing. Among lifelong smokers, approximately half are likely to develop COPD, reaffirming the strong link between smoking and this severe respiratory disease.

User Pedro Galan
by
7.5k points