COPD Flashcards
Define COPD in one sentence
Preventable and treatable disease, characterised by persistent airflow limitation that is slowly progressive. Associated with an enhanced chronic inflammation response of airways and lungs to noxious particles/gases
Describe the characteristics of COPD?
Airflow limitation that is not fully reversible from bronchitis/ emphysema. Caused by loss of elastic recoil and airflow obstruction caused by mucus hypersecretion, mucosal oedema and bronchospasm.
What is the ethology?
Smoking, air pollutions
Describe the pathophysiology of COPD
COPD is characterised by chronic inflammation of the airways, lung parenchyma (respiratory bronchioles and alveoli) and pulmonary blood vessels. Results in not fully reversible airflow limitation during forced exhalation. This is caused by loss of elastic recoil and airflow obstruction caused by mucus hypersecretion, mucosal oedema and bronchospasm. Various processes occur such as airflow limitation, air trapping, gas exchange abnormalities and mucus hypersecretion.
The inflammation process starts with inhalation of noxious particles and gases (eg tobacco) but is magnified in the person with COPD. The abnormal inflammatory process causes tissue destruction and disrupts the normal defence mechanisms and repair process of the lung.
Describe the clinical manifestations of COPD
Typically develop slowly. Chronic intermittent cough Dyspnoea with exertion- present every day Not being able to take a deep breath Heaviness in the chest, gasping, increased effort to breathe and air hunger. Wheezing and chest tightness Fatigue, weight loss, anorexia Hypoxaemia
Describe common treatments
02 therapy Breathing retraining Nutritional therapy Smoking cessation Bronchodilators Corticosteroids
Describe common medications
Medications for COPD can reduce symptoms, increase exercise capacity, improve overall health, and reduce the number and severity of exacerbations. Bronchodilator drug therapy relaxes smooth muscles in the airway and improves ventilation of the lungs, thus reducing the degree of breathlessness and increasing FEV1.
Short acting reliever medication- salbutamol
Long acting antimuscarinic- tiotropium etc and/or long acting beta 2 agonists commenced- ipratropium etc.
02 therapy
Describe the difference between ephymsema and chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is the presence of chronic productive cough for three months in each of 2 consecutive years.
Empyhsema is abnormal permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bonchioles, accompanied by destruction of their walls.
