CARDIORESPIRATORY - OBSTRUCTIVE & RESTRICTIVE DISEASE (copd / pulmonary fibrosis)

Question 1

What is COPD ?

Answer 1

Its an umbrella term for Chronic Bronchitis / Asthma and Emphysema.
Which is characterised by airflow obstruction which is progressive in severity and not fully reversible.

Question 2

Describe a normal airway.

Answer 2

1. ) Airways are lined by cells which produce mucus and tiny hairs called cilia.
2. ) Mucus traps dust particles and bacteria and the cilia move the mucus along until it reaches the throat to cough out.

THIS IS A DEFENCE MECHANISM!

Question 3

Describe the Airway of someone with COPD.

Answer 3

1. ) Excess mucus is produced ( thicker and stickier ) , the cilia are unable to beat it. THEREFORE :
   - Dust and bacteria stay trapped in the airways.
   - Mucus build up and provides warm / moist environment for bacteria to grow.
   - INFECTION CAN DEVELOP.

Question 4

What is the 3 main COPD ?

Answer 4

• BRONCHITIS
• EMPHYSEMA
• ASTHMA

Question 5

What is BRONCHITIS ?

Answer 5

Its a chronic disease of the lungs where the Bronchi become Inflamed.

Question 6

What is EMPHYSEMA ?

Answer 6

A condition where the alveoli of the lungs become Inflamed and lose their natural elasticity.

Question 7

What is ASTHMA ?

Answer 7

Its an episodic increase in airways obstruction caused by various stimuli resulting in increased airways resistance.

Question 8

What happens to the airway with someone that has BRONCHITIS ?

Answer 8

The inflammation causes an increased in mucus & sputum production, making the airways narrower.

• Making breathing more difficult
• Difficult to cleat

Question 9

What happens to someone’s Alveoli with EMPHYSEMA ?

Answer 9

The alveoli over expand and lose their ability to fill up and contract properly.

• As the air fills up the sac, it ruptures and it becomes one sac reducing the surface area for gaseous exchange.

Question 10

What are some common COPD Signs & Symptoms ?

Answer 10

• BREATHLESSNESS
• WHEEZE
• TIGHTNESS IN THE CHEST

Question 11

What are the different causes of COPD ?

Answer 11

• CIGARETTE SMOKING
• OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE ( coal miners )
• ALPHA 1 ANTIRYPSIN DEFICIENCY
• SOCIAL DEPRIVATION

Question 12

How do you diagnose someone with COPD ?

Answer 12

1. ) Look at Patients DETAILED HISTORY.
2. ) CLINICAL SIGNS
   - Breathlessness / cough / increased sputum
   - other causes have been ruled out.
3. ) SPIROMETRY
4. ) CHEST X-RAY

Question 13

Name some possible treatment and management for someone with COPD ?

Answer 13

1. ) SMOKING CESSATION
   - Advice them to quit / Nicotine Replacement.
2. ) PULMONARY REHABILITATION
   - Exercise / Education / Self management / Diet / Lifestyle Modifications
3. ) MEDICATIONS
   - Inhalers / Steroids / Antibiotics

Question 14

Pulmonary Fibrosis is IDIOPATHIC.

What is PULMONARY FIBROSIS ?

Answer 14

Its a restrictive Diseased caused by Inflammation and scarring of the lungs.

( The scarring + inflammation builds up = REDUCED GAS EXHANGE )

Question 15

What are the common signs & symptoms of PULMONARY FIBROSIS ?

Answer 15

( It gradually get worse over the years )

• BREATHLESSNESS
• CONSTANT COUGH
• CONSTANTLY FEELING TIRED
• CLUBBING FINGERS & TOES

Question 16

How do you diagnose someone with PULMONARY FIBROSIS ?

Answer 16

1. ) Look at Patients Detailed History
2. ) CLINICAL SIGNS
   - breathlessness at rest / persistent coughing
3. ) SPIROMETRY
4. ) BRONCHOSCOPY
   - to look at the lung tissue
5. ) CHEST X-RAY FOLOWED BY A CT SCAN