⭐️Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

A progressive, irreversible airway disease characterized by airflow limitation due to chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

Question 2

Clinical Features

Answer 2

• Chronic cough (often productive)
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath) 😮‍💨
• Wheezing & chest tightness
• Sputum production (chronic bronchitis)
• Cyanosis (blue skin/lips in severe cases) 🔵
• Barrel chest (hyperinflation in emphysema)
• Pursed-lip breathing
• Frequent respiratory infections

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Affects ~10% of adults worldwide
4th leading cause of death globally
More common in smokers & industrial workers
Higher incidence in low-income countries

Question 4

Age Groups Affected

Answer 4

Usually >40 years old
Rare in young people unless genetic (α1-antitrypsin deficiency)

Question 5

Risk Factors

Answer 5

✅ Modifiable:

Smoking 🚬 (major cause)
Air pollution 🌫️
Occupational exposure (dust, chemicals)
Recurrent lung infections
🚫 Non-Modifiable:

Age (>40 years)
Genetic predisposition (α1-antitrypsin deficiency)
Low birth weight & childhood respiratory infections

Question 6

Clinical Presentation

Answer 6

🔹 Chronic Bronchitis (“Blue Bloater”)

Chronic cough with excess mucus
Cyanosis (blue lips)
Frequent chest infections
Obese, peripheral edema (cor pulmonale)
🔹 Emphysema (“Pink Puffer”)

Severe breathlessness
Pursed-lip breathing
Barrel chest (hyperinflation)
Weight loss & muscle wasting

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

🔹 Progressive & irreversible 😔
🔹 Better with early smoking cessation & treatment 🚭
🔹 Frequent exacerbations = higher mortality
🔹 Complications: Respiratory failure, cor pulmonale (right heart failure), pneumonia
🔹 Management: Bronchodilators, steroids, pulmonary rehab, oxygen therapy in severe cases