COPD Flashcards
1
Q
What is emphysema?
A
- abnormal and permanent enlargement of alveoli without fibrosis
- loss of supporting elastic tissue causes airway collapse, obstructing expiration
2
Q
How does emphysema occur?
A
- ROS causes neutrophils to release elastases or directly damages elastic tissue
- ROS inhibits anti-proteases
3
Q
What is the most typical pattern of emphysema?
A
- Pan-acinar effects entire acinus and lobule
- occurs in anti-trypsin deficiency
4
Q
What is chronic bronchitis?
A
persistent cough productive of sputum for at least 3 months in at least 2 consecutive years, in the absence of any other identifiable acute causes.
5
Q
What does chronic bronchitis result from?
A
-chronic irritation from inhaled substances
6
Q
What is the pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis?
A
Irritation causes:
- mucus hypersecretion
- inflammation
- infection
7
Q
What is the presentation of COPD?
A
- dyspnoea
- chronic cough
- sputum production
- wheezing
- decreased breath sounds
- hyper-resonance
- decreased vocal resonance
- reduced chest expansion
