14. Management of COPD Flashcards
What are main features of COPD?
- airflow obstruction(chronic bronchitis) and hyperinflation (emphysema)
- not fully reversible
- progressive
- repeating chest infections and inflammation cause obstruction
What are the 2 main symptoms of COPD which patients always present with?
- breathlessness
2. cough and recurrent chest infections
What causes the cough in COPD?
airway inflammation
What causes the breathlessness in COPD? (2)
- airflow obstruction (impaired gas exchange/oxygenation)
2. hyperinflated chest which pushes diaphragm down causing breathing difficulty
What percentage of COPD patients are smokers?
85-95% (very high)
What do “free radical” species found in tobacco do to anti-elastase (anti-protease) enzyme? What happens as a result?
- Inactivates it (people with alpha-1-antitrypsin more prone to it)
- As a result, neutrophil elastase increases and (along with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency for people who have it), can cause tissue damage
In emphysema, what occurs to elastase enzyme production?
it increases (leading to tissue damage)
What are some of the systemic symptoms of COPD? (5)
- loss of muscle mass (protein separation occurs; human necrosis factor)
- weight loss and loss of appetite
- cardiac disease risk increases
- depression/anxiety etc
- lacking energy (more energy put into breathing which causes extreme tiredness)
How many people are there diagnosed and undiagnosed with COPD in the UK?
diagnosed; ~ 1 million
undiagnosed: ~2 million and on the increase
How many people does COPD kill in the UK?
over 30,000
Will COPD be the 3rd leading cause of death by 2020?
Yes
How to diagnose a patient with COPD?
- relevant history (symptoms)
- look for clinical signs+examination
- confirmation of diagnosis and assessment
- other relevant tests
What age should you expect COPD?
35-40 + years
What are the most common signs of COPD seen in patients? (6)
- current or former smokers
- chronic cough
- exertional breathlessness
- sputum production
- frequent winter bronchitis (or other chest infections)
- wheeze/ chest tightness
Is there a diagnostic test for COPD?
No (tests only support the diagnosis)
What are 2 common tests done to confirm COPD diagnosis?
- spirometry
2. ECG
What is the clinical difference between age of COPD and asthma patients? (comparison)
- COPD: 35+ years
- asthma: any age
What is the clinical difference between cough in COPD and asthma patients? (comparison)
- COPD: cough is persistent and productive
- asthma: intermittent and non-productive
What is the clinical difference between smoking in COPD and asthma patients? (comparison)
- COPD: almost invariable/almost always
- asthma: possible
What is the clinical difference between breathlessness in COPD and asthma patients? (comparison)
- COPD: progressive and persistent
- asthma: intermittent and variable
What is the clinical difference between nocturnal symptoms in COPD and asthma patients?
- COPD: uncommon unless in severe disease
- asthma: common
What is the clinical significance between family history in COPD and asthma patients?
- COPD: uncommon unless family members also smoke
- asthma: common (can have a genetic connection)
What is the clinical significance between concomitant eczema or allergic rhinitis?
- COPD: possible
- asthma: common (can have an allergic connection)
What are the common features of COPD on examination? (5)
- reduced chest expansion
- prolonged expiration/ wheeze
- hyperinflated chest
- respiratory failure
- may be normal in early stages
What 5 signs signs suggest respiratory failure?
- tachypneoa (abnormally fast breathing)
- cyanosis
- use of accessory muscles
- pursed lip breathing
- peripheral oedema
What happens to anterior and posterior chest dimensions in COPD patients?
they are bigger in relation to lateral dimensions
What causes peripheral oedema?
Right side of the heart has pressure put on it due to excessive breathing, abnormal gas exchange etc, so inadequate pumping leads to oedema.
Which features may be identified in COPD patient clinical history?
cough, breathlessness, chest infections (winter bronchitis), sputum,
What features may be identified in COPD patient examination?
- may appear normal (if early stages)
- tachypneoa, wheeze, hyperinflated chest
What does spirometry reading (FEV1/FVC) <70% suggest?
obstructive condition