Clinical features of COPD Flashcards
What does COPD stand for?
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
what is COPD?
it is a lung disease characterised by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible
what are the more familiar terms now included within the COPD diagnosis?
chronic bronchitis and emphysema
what is the progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe?
COPD
what may contribute to COPD?
long term exposure to other lung irritants - such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dusts
can asthma be cured?
no
why are short term medications used for in relation to asthma?
short term medications are used to relieve symptoms
what are asthma triggers?
they are stimuli that irritate and inflame airways, it is important to avoid asthma triggers
what is asthma?
it is a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing
what condition is usually connected to allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity?
asthma
can asthma be controlled?
appropriate management of asthma can control the disease and enable people too enjoy good quality of life
what is the goal of COPD management?
to improve a patients functional status and quality of life by preserving optimal lung function, improving symptoms, and preventing the recurrence of exacerbations
what medications are used for patients with stable COPD?
oral and inhaled medications are used to reduce dyspnea and improve exercise tolerance
why is pharmacotherapy used for COPD?
it is used to decrease symptoms and complications as there is no existing medication for COPD shown to modify the long term decline in lung function that is the hallmark of COPD
is there a cure for COPD?
no
can the progression of COPD be slowed down?
yes
how can the progression of COPD be slowed down?
through maintenance therapy, certain steps can help slow the progression of COPD and improve your lung function, i.e. quitting smoking
what are the 3 cardinal symptoms of COPD?
- dyspnea
- chronic cough
- sputum production
less common symptoms of COPD are?
wheezing and chest tightness
symptoms of COPD are?
an ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus; this is often called smoker’s cough, shortness of breath, especially with physical activity, wheezing or a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe, chest tightness
discuss the epidemiology of COPD
COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the world
approximately there are 2.75 millions deaths per year
what is acute exacerbation of COPD?
sudden worsening of COPD symptoms that typically lasts for several days
how may acute COPD be triggered?
it may be triggered by an infection with bacteria or viruses or by environmental pollutants
why is quantification of the severity of exacerbations in COPD important?
it is important in medical management when making choices in treatment, it is also especially important in determining whether a new therapy is effective in limiting the consequences of exacerbations
