Chronic COPD- Definition, Etiology, Risk Factors

Question 1

COPD definition

Answer 1

common, preventable, and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gas

Question 2

COPD etiology

Answer 2

Smoking and pollution, host factors → impaired lung growth, accelerated decline, lung and systemic inflammation → small airway disorders or abnormalities, emphysema, systemic effects → persistent airflow limitation and clinical manifestations of symptoms, exacerbations, and comorbidities

Question 3

Most patients will have a mix of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. How do we treat it?

Answer 3

We treat them all the same, regardless of the underlying patho!

Question 4

Risk factors for COPD: what’s the most significant risk factor?

Answer 4

Cigarette smoke and other types of tobacco and marijuana!

Question 5

Risk factors for COPD: environmental stuff

Answer 5

Occupational dust and chemicals
Secondhand tobacco smoke
Indoor and outdoor air pollution
Socioeconomic factors (poverty)

Question 6

Risk factors for COPD: genetic

Answer 6

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Question 7

Risk factors for COPD: infections

Answer 7

History of severe childhood respiratory infections

Question 8

Risk factors for COPD: age

Answer 8

Older age is another big risk factor due to long-term exposure to toxins throughout a parson’s lifetime