Clinical features of COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, slowly progressive disorder characterised by fixed airflow obstruction
What causes airway obstruction in COPD?
Small-airway narrowing and can be worsened by inflammation and mucous.
What is the total prevalence of COPD in the UK?
1.5 - 2 million
How many people are diagnosed with COPD in the UK?
1.2 million
In which socioeconomic demographic is COPD more prevalent?
In lower educated and poorer people
What are the mortality rates of COPD?
6th most common cause of death in the UK and 5th worldwide
30,000 deaths per year in UK
2.5 million deaths per year worldwide
What percentage of COPD is attributed to smoking?
85%
What are the causes of COPD?
Smoking Chronic asthma Passive smoking Maternal smoking Air pollution Occupation a1-antitrypsin deficiency
What does 1 pack year mean?
1 pack of cigarettes every day for a year
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Breathlessness Coughing Sputum Wheezing Weight loss Peripheral oedema
What is ACOS?
Asthma COPD Overlap Syndrome
What does a1-antitrypsin do?
Neutralises enzymes released by neutrophils
What is the rate of decline of FEV1 in smokers and non-smoker?
Smokers - about 50ml/yr
Non-smokers - about 30ml/yr
What is the biggest difference in symptoms between COPD and Asthma?
COPD is insidious and constant whilst asthma has variable airflow obstruction and generally stays constant in severity.
What are some of the signs of COPD?
Breathless Pursed lip breathing Barrel chest Prolonged expiration with wheeze Palpable liver Low breath sounds
