COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the name given to a group of lung diseases that cause difficulty breathing.
COPD is a long-term, progressive lung condition. COPD is incurable, cannot be reversed and affects life expectancy.
Treatment can keep the condition under control though.
What causes COPD?
• Smoking is the main cause of COPD and is responsible for about 90% of cases. Passive smoking may also increase the risk.
• Exposure to types of dust and chemicals can increase the risk: cadmium dust, grain and flour dust, silica dust, welding fumes, isocyanates and coal dust.
• It is additionally caused by genetic factors.
• Air pollution
What conditions does COPD include?
• Emphysema which involves damage to the alveoli.
• Chronic bronchitis which involves long term inflammation of the airways.
How does smoking/vaping cause COPD?
Smoking singes the cilia in the trachea, leaving the ciliated epithelial cells smoother. This makes it harder for the cilia to waft mucus up and out of the respiratory passages, leading to respiratory infections and coughs. It also causes inflammation and damage to the air sacs and airways, reducing the elasticity of the alveoli. This reduces the area for gas exchange, making it hard to breath, as the amount of oxygen that can enter the bloodstream and leave decreases
Why is an early diagnosis of COPD important?
An early diagnosis is important as it allows for prompt treatment, giving the individual a chance to manage their condition, preventing it from worsening.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
• Shortness of breath (in early stages) this may only happen when exercising, but will gradually get worse. May also wake up at night feeling breathless.
• Persistant chesty cough that produces large amounts of phlegm.
• Frequent chest infections.
• Persistant wheezing.
How do you treat COPD?
COPD is incurable but you can manage the symptoms by quitting smoking, using inhalers, taking tablets, participating in pulmonary rehabilitation, getting a lung transplant, doing oxygen therapy and going on ventilation.
What is an inhaler?
A medical device used to deliver medicine into the lungs while a person breaths.
What is a short acting bronchodilator inhaler?
A short acting bronchodilator inhaler is most commonly used for COPD. This makes breathing easier by relaxing and widening your airways.
It should be used when you feel breathless up to 4 times a day.
What is a long acting bronchodilator inhaler?
A long-acting bronchodilator inhaler is used if you have regular flare ups despite taking your short acting inhaler. Each dose lasts 12 hours meaning you should only use them once or twice a day.
What is a steroid inhaler?
A steroid inhaler is used if you still become breathless when using a long-acting inhaler, Steroid inhalers contain corticosteroid medicines which can help reduce inflammation in your airways.
When are tablets used for COPD?
If your symptoms are not controlled by an inhaler, your doctor may prescribe you tablets
What are theophylline tablets and how do they treat COPD??
Theophylline tablets are a bronchodilator that reduce inflammation in the airways and relax the lining muscles. Regular blood tests will be conducted to find the correct dosage and side effects include sickness, headaches, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
What are mucolytic tablets and how do they treat COPD??
Mucolytics thin the phlegm in your throat, making it easier to cough up. A form of this is carbocisteine which are taken 3-4 times a day.
What are steroid tablets and how do they treat COPD?
Steroid tablets can be used in a bad flare up to reduce airway inflammation. This is usually a 5-day course treatment, as long-term use of steroids can cause weight gain, mood swings and weakened bones. You may also be prescribed steroid tablets if you have a chest infection.
