COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
A long term; obstructive condition usually caused by smoking.
What age group does COPD usually affect?
Age 40+
How does COPD affect breathing?
It increases the work needed for breathing, as chronic inflammation is evident and hyper secretion.
What is now referred to as COPD instead of its original term?
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Chronic asthma
What is an exacerbation of COPD?
A sustained worsening of the patients symptoms from their usual stable state (an acute onset)
What are the symptoms of an exacerbation of COPD?
Cough
Worsening of breathlessness
Changes in sputum production and the colour of sputum.
Change in the ability to carry out daily activities.
How does an exacerbation of COPD affect the patient?
It is an irreversible decline in the lung function and usually indicates a progression in the disease.
Each severe episode may impact on the patients ability to regain their previous health status (before the exacerbation)
Frequent exacerbations mean that there is a faster lung decline, increased airway inflammation, worsening health status. It often results in more hospital admissions and longer hospital stays.
What characteristics are different in COPD compared to a person that does not have COPD?
They have pulmonary hyperinflation
Their smooth muscle contraction is different (bronchoconstruction)
Mucus hyper secretion
Pulmonary hypertension
Damage to the cilia and epithelium- making it less effective in removing mucus from the airways.
How does a respiratory disorder affect the function of the respiratory system?
Increased energy expenditure on breathing.
Decreased oxygen supplies to the tissues.
Impact on other body systems to function effectively.
