Clinical features of COPD Flashcards
what is the general definition of COPD
slowly progressive disorder characterized by airflow obstruction that does not change over several months.
what can be a few of the symptoms of COPD
Goblet cell hypoplasia
narrowing of the airways
excessive mucus
in the UK how many people are diagnosed with COPD
900,000
typically who gets COPD
disease of “poverty” as people who get COPD usually have a worse diet
What is the mortality of COPD in the uk and worldwide
uk it is the 6th most common cause of death
what are risk factors that cause COPD and are not due to smoking (these account for 15% of cases)
chronic asthma passive smoking maternal smoking air pollution occupation
where is a-1 antitrypsin normally found
blood stream
lungs
What is the function of A-1 antitrypsin
it is a protease inhibitor and regulates elastase
people that have a-1 antitrypsin deficiency are more likely to develop COPD why
without a-1-antitripsin elastase will be unregulated and will break down too much elastin in the lungs which can lead to COPD
define Fibrosing Alveolitis
progressive thickening of the walls of the air sacs of the lungs, as a result it is difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream
If no cause is found for fibrosing alveolitis what is it know as
IPF
What does Cushingoid syndrome refer to
constellation of symptoms and signs caused by an excess of cortisol hormone
While facial puffiness and weight gain are typical features of aCushingoid appearance
what is Ascites
accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling
define hepatomegaly
abnormal enlargement of the liver
define cyanosis
bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood
if a patient has COPD due to a-1-antitripsin deficiency what age will they usually present with it
around 40
what are the 2 causes for COPD in never smokers
chronic asthma
a-1-antitripsin deficiency
what is a pack year defined as
1 pack a day for a year
what is Bronchiectasis
abnormal widening of the bronchi or their branches, causing a risk of infection
what are the main symptoms of COPD
- breathlessness-gradual onset, little variation
- cough and sputum- long history of smokers cough
- wheeze- OE
- weight loss -indicates severe
- peripheral oedema- Cor pulmonale, severe disease, resp failure
what are the signs of COPD that you may look for
breathless walking CO2 flap effects of steroid use on skin barrel chest prolonged expiration w/ wheeze
what do full pulmonary function tests look at
lung volumes
CO2 transfer
what is aminophylline
a bronchodilator , its a compound of the bronchodilator theophylline
what is the management of acute asthma
give oxygen
high dosed nebulized SABA and prednisolone daily
iv aminophylline
antibiotics only if infection
