COPD Flashcards
characterised by
persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is usually progressive and not fully reversible
is air flow limitation in COPD reversible?
not fully reversible
air flow limitation is due to a combination of …
small airways disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema)
4 main symptoms of COPD
wheeze
dyspnoea (SOB)
chronic cough
regular sputum production
what is the main RF For development and exacerbations of COPD
tobacco smoking
Main risk factor for development and exacerbations: tobacco smoking.
Name 3 other RF
Environmental pollution and occupational exposures
Genetic factors e.g. hereditary alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Poor lung growth during childhood
true or false - genetic factors can increase risk of COPD
true e.g. . hereditary alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
what is cor pulmonale
abnormal enlargement of the RV due to lung disease
causes HF
what is ashtma-COPD overlap syndrome and what blood test can indicate this
Characterised by persistent airflow limitation that displays features of asthma and COPD
high eosinophils = asthma features
non drug treatment for stable COPD
- stop smoking
- pulmonary rehabilitation
- if excessive sputum production: active cycle of breathing techniques and ho to use positive expiatory pressure devices (physiotherapist)
- if BMI abnormal or changes over time - refer for dietic input
- some pt may be deemed appropriate for surgery
non drug treatment for pt with excessive sputum production
taught active cycle of breathing techniques, and how to use positive expiratory pressures devices by a physiotherapist
name 2 vaccinations that should be offered to all pt
inactivated influenza
pneumococcal
who would you consider nebulised treatment in instead of inhaler therapy
patients with distressing or disabling breathlessness despite maximal use of inhalers, and continued if an improvement is seen in symptoms, ability to undertake activities of daily living, excess capacity, or lung function
initial empirical treatment for all pt with COPD
+ what to consider before stepping up
short acting brochodilator - SABA or SAMA (IPRATROPIUM) prn to relieve breathlessness and exercise limitation
before considering step up treatment, ensure COPD is confirmed spirometricallly, relevant vaccines have been given, non drug treatment options have been optimised e.g. smoking cessation, and that a short acting bronchodilator is being used.
initial empirical treatment for all pt with COPD is to give a short acting bronchodilator prn (e.g. SAMA or SABA).
What is step up treatment for pt w/o asthmatic features or features that suggest steroid responsiveness?
- if continue to be breathless or have exacerbations: offer LABA + LAMA
- if LAMA given, discontinue SAMA
true or false - SABA prn may be continued in all stages of treatment of COPD
true
If a patient who is on LAMA + LABA (+ SABA prn) had severe exacerbations (requiring hospitalisation) or at least 2 moderate exacerbations (requires systemic CCs and/or abx) within 1 year, consider the addition of …
ICS
triple therapy with ICS, LABA, LAMA
If ICS is given, how often to review and what needs to be documented?
annually
document reason for continuing
If a pt who is on LAMA + LABA (+prn SABA) whose day to day symptoms continue to adversely impact QoL, consider …
trialling ICS for 3 months
if symptoms improved, continue triple therapy and review at least annually
if no improvement, step back down to LAMA + LABA
1st line empirical for all pt with COPD is with a SA bronchodilator (e.g. SAMA, SABA). What is step up treatment for pt with asthmatic features or features suggesting steroid responsiveness?
- if pt continues to be breathless of have exacerbations, consider treatment with LABA and ICS
- if ICS given, review annually + document reason for continuation
If patient is on SAMA/SABA + LABA + ICS and have severe exacerbation (requiring hospitalisation) or at least 2 moderate exacerbations (requiring systemic CCs and/or abx) within a year, or who continue to have day to day symptoms adversely impacting their QoL… what is step up treatment?
Add LAMA - this means discontinue SAMA (ipratropium)
triple therapy: LAMA, LABA, ICS
SABA can be continued at all stages of COPD treatment