COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
Chronic respiratory condition characterised by non-reversible airflow obstruction caused by damage to lung tissue
What is the main cause of COPD?
Combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema as a result of smoking
What is bronchitis?
cough and sputum production on most days for at least 3 month during the last 2 years
What is emphysema?
Enlarged airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles with the destruction of the alveolar walls
Is the airflow in COPD progressive?
Yes, it does not change markedly over several months and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lung tissue to certain particles
What the the FEV1/FVC ratio that defines COPD patients?
< 70%, however, can be more if they also have signs and symptoms of COPD
What causes hypersecretion of mucus in COPD patients?
Marked hypertrophy of mucus-secreting glands and hyperplasia of goblet cells, which decreases the lumen size and increases the gas diffusion distance
what happens to the alveoli in COPD patients?
Abnormal dilation of the air spaces and destruction of alveolar walls
What happens to the lung tissue?
inflammation and scarring, which decreases the lumen of the airways and decreases lung elasticity
What happens to the epithelial layer in COPD patients?
becomes ulcerated and squamous epithelium may be replaced by columnar cells which increases the gas diffusion distance
What are the 3 main pathological effects of emphysema in COPD?
Loss of elasticity of the alveoli, inflammation and scarring and mucus hypersecretion
Emphysematous bullae form in COPD patients, what are they?
Large closed off air spaces with trapped air inside them
What are the 2 pathological effects of chronic bronchitis in COPD?
Enlargement in mucus-secreting glands, and increased number of goblet cells
What is the main cell involved in the inflammation seen in COPD?
Neutrophils
What are the effects of the inflammation seen in COPD?
scaring and fibrosis of the tissue which thickens the walls of the airway and reduces lumen size -> increases the gas diffusion distance
Bronchoconstriction