COPD

Question 1

What is COPD?

Answer 1

An umbrella term for several chronic lung diseases

Question 2

What are the 2 main COPD conditions?

Answer 2

Chronic (obstructive) bronchitis and emphysema

Question 3

What happens when someone has COPD?

Answer 3

Abnormalities in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs lead to limitation of airflow in and out of the lungs
Several processes cause the airways to become narrow
There may be a destruction of parts of the lung, mucus blocking the airways and inflammation and swelling of the airway lining

Question 4

What is emphysema?

Answer 4

A disease of the alveoli - the fibres that make up the walls of the alveoli become damaged. The damage makes them less elastic and unable to recoil on exhaling, making it hard to exhale carbon dioxide out of the lung

Question 5

What is chronic (obstructive) bronchitis?

Answer 5

A chronic cough with the production of phlegm resulting from inflammation in the airways.
Need to have a productive cough on most days of the week for at least 3 months total duration in 2 successive years
Becomes chronic obstructive bronchitis if spirometer evidence of airflow obstruction develops.

Question 6

What are the causes of COPD?

Answer 6

Tobacco exposure from active smoking or passive exposure
Occupational exposure to dust, fumes or chemicals
Indoor air pollution
Early life events such as frequent/severe respiratory infections in childhood
Asthma in childhood
Genetic condition which can cause COPD at a young age

Question 7

What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?

Answer 7

Frequent coughing or wheezing
Excess phlegm or sputum
Shortness of breath
Trouble taking a deep breath
Pursed-lip breathing
Frequent respiratory infections