COPD

Question 1

how may chronic damage be caused to the airway?

Answer 1

repeat infection - this is called bronchiectasis

• less able to clear mucous due to scarred airway so more infection.

Question 2

what is emphysema?

Answer 2

destruction of alveoli and loss of elastic fibres and surface area in alveoli

Question 3

how does emphysema contribute to COPD?

Answer 3

loss of elastic recoil so air cannot be expelled

less gas exchange due to smaller surface area for it

fewer alveoli too

results in pink puffer as cannot get air in our out properly

Question 4

what is chronic bronchitis?

Answer 4

inflammation of bronchus and increased goblet cell secretion so increased mucous in airway.

Question 5

how does chronic bronchitis contribute to COPD?

Answer 5

airway obstruction due to mucosal oedema and inflammation

CO2 retention due to obstruction causing cyanosis - blue bloater

Question 6

what are the management options for COPD?

Answer 6

support to stop smoking

prevention of flu virus

pulmonary rehabilitation

beta agonists and corticosteroids

oxygen!

Question 7

how should oxygen be used to treat COPD?

Answer 7

in acute stage oxygen must be given - watch respiratory rate as oxygen deliverance almost relieves need to breathe should be 12 / min

chronic - fixed percentage delivery

Question 8

how may airflow obstruction impact me in dentistry?

Answer 8

have to know how to provide oxygen treatment

smokers or ex smokers have increased cancer risk

inhaled corticosteroids can increase risk of candida - wash mouth after inhaler or use spacer

drug-drug interactions

bleeding on probing absent because of smoking??