COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
Umbrella term for common respiratory conditions characterized by airflow limitation
What are the subtypes of COPD?
- Emphysema “Pink Puffer”
- Chronic Bronchitis “Blue Bloater”
- Chronic Obstructive Asthma
When does COPD usually present?
5th or 6th decade of life with sx present for 10 years
What should be asked about the patient’s smoking hx?
- Average per day since starting
- When stopped or if current smoker
What is another name for patients with emphysema?
Pink Puffer
What is emphysema?
Abnormal and permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles that is accompanied by destruction of the airspace walls,
What age does emphysema present?
After 50 years old
Will patients with emphysema have a cough?
Cough is rare, may have thin clear sputum
What will patients with emphysema look like?
- thin
- uncomfortable w/ accessory muscle use
What lung sounds will you hear from emphysema patients?
Clear w/o adventitious lung sounds
What is another name for patients with Chronic Bronchitis?
Blue Bloater
How do you define chronic bronchitis?
Chronic productive cough for 3 months in 2 successive years
What is the main sx of chronic bronchitis?
Productive chronic cough with mucopurulent sputum
Chronic bronchitis lung sounds
Rhonchi
What age does chronic bronchitis normally present?
30’s and 40’s
What is not a typical finding in COPD?
Digital clubbing
What study is done to diagnose COPD?
Spirometry
What pulmonary function tests are done on patients with COPD?
- Spirometry
- Peak flow
Is COPD preventable?
Yes through life style changes
What life style modifications should patients with COPD take?
- stop smoking
- elimination of exposures
- maintain vaccination status
- use of inhaler
- nutrition and self-management
When should patients with COPD use O2?
Only if they have resting hypoxia
What medications may help with COPD?
Albuterol (SABA)
Salmeterol (LABA)
Fluticasone (corticosteroid)
Prednisone (oral corticosteroid)
