6.1 COPD Flashcards
What are the two main diseases in COPD?
Emphysema
Bronchitis
What is emphysema?
Alveolar spaces widen to make redundant air spaces and gas exchange surface area is lost.
What is bronchitis?
Chronic mucous hypersecretion caused by airway inflammation
What infections is a COPD sufferer more likely to get?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Haemophilus influenzae
How is a pseudomonas aeruginosa infection treated in COPD patients?
Aminoglycosides
Quinolones
Carbapenems
How is a haemophilus influenzae infection treated in COPD patients?
Ampicillin
Cefotaxime
Ceftriaxone
What are the main causes of COPD?
Smoking
Pollution
Coal dust
a-1-antitrypsin deficiency
How does a-1-antitrypsin deficiency cause COPD?
a-1-antitrypsin inhibits proteases and protects against inflammation. If it is not present, elastin in the lungs breaks down causing tissue damage and emphysema
What further complications can COPD lead to?
Recurrent pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Respiratory failure
Cor pulmonale
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Cough
Wheeze
Sputum production
Breathlessness
What are some signs of COPD?
Barrel chest- hyperinflation
Tachypnoea
‘Pursed lip’ breathing
Quiet breath sounds
What investigations can be done to test for COPD?
Chest xray
a-1-antitrypsin levels
Spirometry
Arterial blood gas
What will be the results of spirometry in a COPD patient?
FEV1 reduced
FVC normal
Restrictive pattern
How is chronic COPD managed?
Smoking cessation
Bronchodilators
Long term O2 therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation
How are acute exacerbations of COPD managed?
O2 therapy
Steroids
Bronchodilators
Antibiotics- if infectious cause
