COPD Flashcards
What are the main Signs of COPD
- Pursed lips
- barrelled chest
- use of accessory muscles when breathing
- Dysnepea
- shortness of breathing on exertion
Smoking is the main risk factor, how does it contribute to COPD
- Smoking causes inflammation of the alveoli which increases the protease as well as decreasing the anti-protease.
- This causes oxidative stress and tissue breaks down.
- the elastin and alveolar walls decrease resulting in a decreased surface area and enlargement of air space
- causing narrowed airway and resistance
Compare bronchitis and emphysema
BRONCHITIS - upper air way
1. inflammation of air ways
2. causes bronchial to inflame and increase mucous production
3. impair cila function and airway resistance and narrowing
4. results in hypoventilation and decreased gas exchange
EMPHYSEMA
1. enlargement of air space causing hyperinflation and less gas exchange
2. Destruction of alveoli and associated capillaries
3. elastin recoil lost
4. traps air causing hyperinflation and pursed lips
5.Decreased gas exchange creating barrelled chests
6. metabolic acidosis ande respiratory acidosis
Why is blood testing important in COPD patients
They will have an increased hemoglobin and RBC count. This reflects the decreased O2 during gas exchange. Able to check for respiratory acidosis.
What medications were Mary given to control COPD
Salbutamol - Beta Agonist
- Binds to beta 2 adrenergic receptor on bronchiole muscle. This stimulates BronchoDILATION by reducing Actin and myosin
Spiriva - Anticholinergics
- Blocks muscarnic acetylcholine receptor on bronchiole muscle preventing BronchoCONSTRICTION allowing dilation
Seretide - Corticosteroid
- anti-inflam agent decreases inflammatory response
How does alpha-1 anti-trypsine deficiency lead to emphysema
Anti-protease becomes unbalanced with an increase in protease, This results in the destruction of Alveoli and surrounding lung tissue
