COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Airflow obstruction Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic asthma Excess mucus produced Cilia unable to move mucus Smoking paralyses cilia Infections can occur and dust trapped
What is Bronchitis?
Chronic- inflamation of bronchi Causes +mucus production Airways narrowed Wheezing common (especially after coughing) - airways narrow for short periods of time Reduced volume of air
What is Emphysema?
Alveoli - inflamed, elasticity
Over expand losing ability to fill up and expand
Can rupture when filling up with o2 merging with another
Loss of surface area
Trapped air unable to be released
What is asthma?
Episodic increase in airway obstruction - increased airway resistance
Reversible inflammation + broonchoconstriction
Breathlessness, wheeze, tightness in chest
Sensitive airways
Can become irritated, inflamed and narrow
Can become chronic with some fixed airway damage
What causes COPD?
90% - cigarette smoking
Pollution
Protein sufficiency
Social deprivation
What is the diagnosis of COPD?
Breathlessness on exertion Cough Increased sputum Risk factors Rule out other causes Spirometers Chest X-ray
What are the classifications of COPD?
Early disease- fewer symptoms, cough, winter infections, reduced spirometry, breathlessness - exercise
Moderate Disease- range of symptoms, cough,wheeze, SOB, clinical examination showing barrel chest, x-ray showing flattened diaphragm
Severe disease- severe symptoms, cyanosis, weight loss, raised JVP, peripheral oedema
What would the results of spirometry be for COPD?
Mod - 50-70%
Severe - 30-50%
Very Severe - <30%
How would you treat COPD?
Help quitting smoking Inhalers Steroids antibiotics Exercise Education Health advice/management
