COPD Flashcards
what is COPD?
Is an airway disease where there is irreversible obstruction of airflow that usually deteriorates over time
name 2 examples of COPD
Emphysema
Chronic Bronchitis
how is COPD diagnosed
using spirometry according to gold criteria
what is spirometry?
the measuring of breaths to assess lung function
what does spirometry measure?
the amount and the speed of air moving into and out of the lungs
what happens to FEV in those with COPD
FEV is reduced due to the air leaving the lungs more slowly
what happens to the FVC with COPD?
the time taken to reach FVC is increased due to air leaving lungs more slowly
what is the FEV/FVC value for diagnosis of COPD
FEV/FVC < 0.7
Describe the symptoms of COPD
- SOB
- Chronic cough
- Sputum
name the risk factors for developing COPD
smoking
tobacco
occupation
indoor/outdoor pollution
genetic factors- anti-trypsin deficiency
what is emphysema?
a condition in which air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness
what is chronic bronchitis?
a condition in the lungs where bronchial tubes (airways) become inflamed and irritated, leading to excessive mucus production
why does hyperinflation occur in emphysema?
occurs due to the destruction of supporting tissue, causing airway collapase and increased resp. flow
why is air trapped in alveoli in emphysema?
due to decreased elastic recoil
in chronic bronchitis what causes reduced air leaving the lungs?
obstruction within the airway leads to reduced air leaving the lungs
what are the consequences of airway inflammation in chronic bronchitis?
- hypertrophy of muscle glands
- increased numbers of neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes
- increased number and size of goblet cells
-damage to and decreased number of cilia
- increased mucus increases rise of infection
- oedema of lining/airway walls
-contraction of the airways smooth muscle can further narrow the airways- bronchospasm and wheeze
what happens to lung compliance in emphysema?
it is increased
what causes the alveolar damage?
caused by protease breaking down the alveolar components
what is the consequences of damaged pulmonary capillaries in emphysema?
results in loss of perfusion with blood
AND
less diffusion
*can also lead to pulmonary hypertension, increasing stress on RHS of heart
how does COPD effect exercise?
There is a lack of pulmonary capillary dilation in exercise = endothelial disfunction
SOB
Fatigue
