36. COPD

Question 1

What ?

Answer 1

2 main conditions that cause COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
-Emphysema affects the air sacs. Over time, Air sacs are slowly destroyed, which makes it hard to take in enough oxygen when you breathe.
-Chronic bronchitis affects the large and small airways. They become inflamed, narrower and produce more mucus. This makes it harder for you to breathe.

Question 2

Why?

Answer 2

Smoking and Crtain types of fumes e.g (Welding fumes), dust e.g (silica dust) and Chemicals from work
Genetics

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

Ongoing cough, with or without mucus or phlegm, Shortness of breath or breathlessness, Wheezing or chest tightness, Weight loss, Fatigue and tiredness

Question 4

Treatment?

Answer 4

There is no cure for COPD, but there are things you can do to improve your symptoms and breathe more easily
Quick Reliever inhaler:SABA (Only taken when you need)
Maintenance Inhaler: LABA (Everyday)
LABA+Steroids

Question 5

Red Flags?

Answer 5

Being very short of breath when sitting or lying down
Feeling unusually restless, confused or drowsy
Chest pain
Swollen ankles
Slurred speech
Lips or your skin turns blue
Symptoms get worse suddenly despite following your COPD action plan

Question 6

Self Care?

Answer 6

Quit smoking
Stay active
Maintain a healthy weight
Improve the way you breathe
Attend pulmonary rehabilitation
Get your vaccinations
Live in a warm, dry and smoke-free home
Correct use of medicines
Visit your healthcare team regularly

Question 7

How is a flare-up managed in the hospital?

Answer 7

Nebuliser: to deliver medicines if your symptoms don’t improve after using inhalers
Oxygen: if your oxygen level is low
A short course of steroid tablets,
and A course of antibiotics if you have an infection