The causality model that can explain the relationship between risk factors associated with Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (COPD) is the pie model. The pie model states that a disease can be caused by more than one casual mechanism. Each of these mechanisms are usually denoted by numerals. A combination of events must occur in order to produce each casual mechanism. For example, in order for someone to get COPD, they must be exposed to a certain amount of toxins that can affect the lungs (Friis & Sellers, 2014). Currently there are two types of COPD, chronic bronchitis which involves mucus, and excessive inflammation in the lower airway. The second form of COPD is emphysema which is caused when air pockets (alveoli) in the lung break down over time. There are several risk factors for COPD. As people age, COPD becomes more common. Some modifiable risk factors include smoking or exposure to environmental tobacco especially during early childhood. Another risk factor is constant exposure to fumes and smoke. In addition, occupational hazards can lead to COPD, for example exposure to pollutants and chemicals used in the workplace. Another risk factor for COPD is poor nutrition, pneumonia, or childhood respiratory infections. People who are also physically inactive may develop COPD at an earlier age. According to the CDC the primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by smoking. Each piece of the pie should represent a key factor that can contribute to the cause of COPD. Each component of the pie should be identified as a risk factor for COPD, as previously mentioned race factors can include smoking tobacco products, exposure to chemical hazards at work, childhood respiratory infections, poor nutrition. Some people may be exposed to several of these risk factors throughout the day. Therefore, this puts them at a higher risk of developing COPD in the later stages of life. Hills criteria for causation apply to these relationships because of biological gradient which states the greater the level of exposure the more the subject is associated with higher risk for the disease. The consistency criteria can also be applied in this scenario because it has been proven overtime that constant exposure toxic substances can lead to COPD. Hill's model of plausibility also applies in this scenario as it is known based on biomedical knowledge and research COPD is caused due to damaged airways.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022) Leading Causes of Death. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021) Basics about COPD https://www.cdc.gov/copd/basics-about.html
Sullivan Debra, Ph.D, MSN,RN,CNE,COI. (2020). Healthline -- COPD: Facts, Statistics, and You https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/facts-statistics-infographic#Survival-rates