Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Bronchitis, and Emphysema

Question 1

COPD definition

Answer 1

a preventable and treatable disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible

Question 2

Chronic bronchitis

Answer 2

chronic productive cough for 3 months in each of 2 successive years in a patient in whom other causes of productive chronic cough have been excluded

Question 3

Emphysema

Answer 3

pathologically as the presence of permanent enlargement of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied by destruction of bronchiole walls and without obvious fibrosis

Question 4

major pathologic or structural changes are associated with chronic bronchitis

Answer 4

• Chronic inflammation and thickening of the walls of the peripheral airways.
• Excessive mucous production and accumulation.
• Partial or total mucous plugging of the airways.
• Smooth muscle constriction of bronchial airways (bronchospasm)—a variable finding.
• Air trapping and hyperinflation of alveoli may occur in late stages.

Question 5

the major pathologic or structural changes associated with emphysema

Answer 5

• Permanent enlargement and destruction of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles.
• Destruction of the alveolar-capillary membrane.
• Weakening of the distal airways, primarily the respiratory bronchioles.
• Air trapping and hyperinflation

Question 6

Primary Indicators of COPD in Patients Over age 40

Answer 6

Dyspnea
Chronic Cough
Chronic Sputum Production
History of exposure to risk factors
Family History of COPD