COPD Flashcards
What is COPD characterized by?
COPD is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible and does not change markedly over several months.
At what age does COPD increase?
COPD increases with age over 60 years.
How does smoking affect the decline of FEV1 in COPD?
Smoking accelerates the decline of FEV1 of about 30 ml/year after the age of 30.
what is the main cause of COPD
Cigarette smoking causes COPD in 90% of cases.
is the risk of COPD associated with the number of pack years
yes
Does cigar and pipe smoking increase the risk of COPD?
yes
Can passive smoking increase the risk of developing COPD?
yes
What percentage of smokers develop COPD?
Only 15-25% of smokers develop COPD.
What is another cause of COPD besides smoking?
Occupational exposure to dusts and coal mining, air pollution, and lower socioeconomic groups can also cause COPD.
How common is α-1 antitrypsin deficiency in cases of COPD?
α-1 antitrypsin deficiency is found in 1-2% of cases of COPD.
What is chronic bronchitis defined as?
Chronic bronchitis is defined as sputum production for at least 3 months/year for at least 2 consecutive years.
What is emphysema?
Emphysema is a condition in which the destruction of alveoli distal to terminal bronchiole results in loss of elastic supporting tissue and affects gas exchange.
What is the role of α-1 antitrypsin in the lungs?
In healthy lungs, α-1 antitrypsin protects the lung from neutrophil elastase and maintains a balance so that healthy lung tissue is not damaged.
How does cigarette smoking affect the lungs?
Cigarette smoking activates neutrophils in the lungs and proteases which can lead to damage to alveolar sacs and the development of emphysema.
What happens in emphysema?
In emphysema, much of the alveolar surface of the lung is destroyed, reducing its availability for gas exchange.
How does chronic bronchitis develop?
Chronic bronchitis develops from inflammation of the airways with fixed structural changes, such as an increase in goblet cells and hypertrophy of the goblet cells, which leads to the production of viscous mucus that is hard to clear.
How does recurrent respiratory tract infections affect lung function in patients with chronic bronchitis?
Recurrent respiratory tract infections can lead to further inflammation of the lungs and a reduction in lung function in patients with chronic bronchitis.
How does COPD affect the airways and the lungs?
COPD increases airway resistance and causes a loss of elastic recoil of the lungs, leading to airway collapse on expiration, air trapping, and hyperinflation. This increases the work of breathing and may cause accessory muscle use, pursed-lip breathing, and other breathing difficulties.
What are the end stage consequences of COPD?
In end-stage COPD, patients may develop right heart failure (Cor pulmonale) and pulmonary hypertension.
What should be suspected in individuals with symptoms of breathlessness and history of cigarette smoking?
A diagnosis of COPD should be suspected.
How is the diagnosis of COPD confirmed?
The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by spirometry showing an FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 70% predicted post-administration of a short-acting bronchodilator.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Breathlessness on exertion (dyspnoea), chronic productive cough, frequent lower respiratory tract infections, progressive weight loss, peripheral (ankle) oedema (end-stage COPD), and red flag symptoms such as haemoptysis, chest pain, night sweats.
What are the signs of COPD?
Tachypnoea, tremors (if over-using β-2 agonist inhaler), pursed-lip breathing, use of accessory muscles, barrel chest, hyperinflation, wheeze, signs of right heart failure (cor pulmonale), cyanosis, signs of CO2 retention, and development of type 2 respiratory failure.
What does spirometry show in COPD?
Spirometry shows obstruction with a reduced FEV1 and FEV1/FVC < 70%, and no reversibility to bronchodilator 20 minutes after 200 mcg inhaled salbutamol with the FEV1 increasing by at least 15% of baseline or by more than 200 ml.
What is the effect of COPD on lung function tests?
The effect of COPD on lung function tests includes an increase in TLC and RV due to air trapping, and a reduction in transfer factor/diffusing capacity (TLCO/DLCO).
What is the mMRC Dyspnoea Scale used for?
The mMRC Dyspnoea Scale is used for determining the extent of breathlessness in COPD patients.
What does the GLOBAL INITIATIVE for COPD (GOLD) define?
The GLOBAL INITIATIVE for COPD (GOLD) defines the severity of COPD based on Spirometry values and the FEV1/FVC ratio.