COPD Flashcards
Define, mixed airway reversible obstruction and destructive lung disease.
COPD
Which aspect of COPD is potentially reversible?
Asthma component
Which aspects of COPD are irreversible?
Bornchiectasis and emphysema
Define, “the long term condition where the airways of the lungs become widened, leading to a build up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection”
Bronchiectasis
What characterises Bronchiectasis?
A productive cough throughout the winter months, often with sputum which will rapidly turn green, suggesting infection.
what are the 6 main symptoms used to diagnose COPD?
- Cough
- Mucous
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dyspnoea
- Chest discomfort
What is the primary cause of COPD?
Smoking
What is AAT and why is deficiency in it a risk factor for COPD?
AAT is a protein made in the liver which helps to protect the lungs, if there is deficiency in AAT the lungs are more prone to infection.
What are the two COPD classifications that patients can fall into?
- Pink puffers
- Blue bloaters
what are pink puffers?
Patients with emphysema. Tend to hyperventilate, this often causes them temporary redness on their face.
What are blue bloaters?
Patients with chronic bronchitis. Those who has CO2 retention because of ventilation failure. Tend to present with oedema, sever difficulty breathing and hypoxia. This can result in patients skin and lips having a bluish tint.
what are the three core preventative measures in management of COPD?
- Smoking cessation
- Prevention of flu
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
What drugs could be used to treat acute exacerbation of COPD?
Antibiotics
what is acute exacerbation of COPD?
A sustained worsening of symptoms from a persons stable state
How many types of respiratory failure are there?
2