COPD Flashcards
What is COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties
What does copd include
Emphysema - damage to the air sacs in the lungs
Chronic bronchitis - long term inflammation of the airway
What are 5 causes/ risk factors of copd
-Smoking
-air pollution
-asthma
-genetic factors
-occupational exposure
What are 4 common symptoms of copd
-wheezing
-shortness of breath
-frequent chest infections
-persistent chesty cough
What are 4 less common symptoms of copd
-weight loss
-tiredness
-swollen ankles from fluid build up
-chest pain and coughing up blood
Describe the process of emphysema
The air sacs of the lungs are damaged, causing breathlessness. It creates one big sac which doesn’t allow new oxygenated air in
Describe chronic bronchitis
-inflammation of the breathing tubes
-causes a narrowing of the airways and excess mucus production
-no cure but treatments can manage symptoms
What do the technical terms FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio mean
FEV1- forced expiratory volume in one second
FVC- forced vital capacity
FEV1/FVC ration- the outcome of the test (as decimal or percentage)
How will copd effect these physiological measurements (heart rate, respiration rate, O2)
Heart rate- resting heart rate increases
Respiration rate- unstable breathing pattern causing variations of RR during measurement
02- decreased
What 3 features should a patient typically meet to be diagnosed with copd according to NHS NICE
-suspected in people over 35yrs who have a risk factor and symptoms
-FEV1/FVC score of less than 0.7 on spirometry confirms airflow obstruction
-chest X-ray and full blood count to exclude other causes of symptoms
What are some of the treatment options for copd
Surgery, steroids, inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation.
