COPD Flashcards
COPD
airflow limitation due to mucus hyper secretion, mucosal edema and bronchospasm.
walls of alveoli are destroyed, forming fewer, larger alveoli.
not fully reversible.
patient will have dyspnea, SOB, limitations in activity
COPD risk factors
air pollution, reoccurring infection, hereditary (AAT deficiency), aging
tobacco smoke - primary cause
prevalence among First nations, inuit and metis is higher
Effect of Tobacco smoke on COPD
increase production of mucous cells
lost or decreased ciliary activity.
decreased o2 carrying capacity and increases HR
COPD clinical manifestations
develops slowly
cough, sputum production, dyspnea, anorexia, use of accessory + intercostal muscles when breathing, prolonged expiratory phase, wheezes, decreased breath sounds, cyanosis
Cor Pulmonale
complication of COPD.
hypertrophy of right side of heart (due to increased need for right side of heart to push blood into the lungs)
Acute Exacerbations
sustained (change of baseline - lasts 48 hrs) worsening of symptoms
characterized as purulent (require antibiotics) or non purulent
Acute Exacerbation COPD dx
Chest Xray - determines fluid status in lungs.
ABGs - typical findings are low O2 and PH and high CO2 and bicarbonate (in later stages)
respiratory acidosis
Acute Exacerbation COPD meds
short acting bronchodilators - most commonly albuterol by nebulizer
Acute Respiratory Failure
caused by exacerbations or cor pulmonae
Management of COPD
smoking cessation
medications - bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol or albuterol) and inhaled corticosteroids
O2 therapy - with humidifications
breathing exercises - pursed lip breathing (prolongs expiration) and diaphragmatic breathing
nutritional therapy - weight loss and malnutrition are common among those with COPD. rest 30 mins before eating, eat sitting up, 5-6 small meals a day, limit salt and caffeine. eat foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D
