COPD

Question 1

Categorising severity of COPD

Answer 1

Mild. FEV1 =60-80% of predicted, smokers cough, little/ no breathlessness.

Moderate. FEV1 =40-59% predicted, SOB on mild exertion, possible wheezing and cough

Severe. FEV1

Question 2

COPD management principles

Answer 2

Smoking cessation essential to prevent further damage

Regular bronchodilators (beta-2-agonist and short acting muscarinic: ipratropium) are mainstay of therapy

Question 3

COPD staged management

Answer 3

Pic

Question 4

COPD, Antibiotics

Answer 4

For intercurrent infections
Frequent chest infections are a common feature.
Patients given antibiotics to have at and at start of exacerbation (2 from: purulent sputum/ increased sputum/ breathlessness)

Question 5

COPD, Oxygen therapy

Answer 5

Specialist assessment

Used in severe disease at 24-48% for 15hours/da

CAUTION. COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive to breath, giving high conc oxygen without consideration could be a disaster.

Question 6

Define COPD and its features

Answer 6

Chronic bronchitis & Emphysema in varying proportions

CB - increased mucous, airway obstruction, intercut rent infections
Emphysema - involves destruction of alveoli

Smoking related
FEV1 reduced
Little variation in PEF
Obstructive not restrictive