COPD Flashcards
What are the general obstructive diseases?
Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema
What other diseases cause secondary obstruction?
Lung cancer, tumours, foreign objects, bronchiectasis and TB
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, involves chronic bronchitis and emphysema
What is average normal peak respiratory flow rate?
400-600 ml/min, in obstruction can fall to 50% or less
What are the risk factors for COPD?
genetics such as alpha -1- antitrypsin deficiency , atmospheric pollution, smoking, passive smoking, maternal smoking, certain occupations, infections, chronic asthma
What does alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency cause?
It causes emphysema.
What is chronic bronchitis?
Inflammation of the mucous membranes, it can lead to excess mucus to be produced
What is the definition of chronic bronchitis?
Cough productive sputum, for at least 3 consecutive months for more than 2 consecutive years
What is complicated chronic bronchitis ?
mucopurulent (yellow or green sputum) or when TEV1 falls
What immune cells are present in chronic bronchitis?
neutrophils
Describe the changes in small airways
Goblet cells where they have not been before, significant inflammation and fibrosis
Describe the changes in large airways
mucous glands hyperplasia, goblet cells hyperplasia, inflammation and fibrosis is minor
What are the signs of chronic bronchitis ?
inspiratory stridor, increased respiratory rate, decreased chest expansion, lungs are hyperinfalted
What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis ?
breathlessness, cough , sputum
What are the investigations?
Chest X ray, spirometry, full blood count, ECG
What is the treatment of chronic bronchitis?
Corticosteroids, antibiotics in infection is present, O2 therapy if necessary
What is acute bronchitis?
It is caused by H influenzae, S pneumoniae, it is usually self limiting
What is emphysema?
Obstructive disease in which the alveoli get bigger as the elastic fibres get destroyed, the loss of septa between alveoli
What are the different types of emphysema ?
Centriacinar, periacinar, panacinar
What is centriacinar emphysema?
It occurs close to respiratory bronchioles, in the central acinus which its he most vulnerable as the particles get deposited in here. It usually occurs predominantly in upper part of the lungs, worst at the apex of upper and middle lobe as the clearance is worst in here due to reduced blood flow
In which parts of lungs is the centriacinar emphysema the worst?
In the apex of the upper and lower lobes as there is reduced blood flow and therefore clearance
Which part of lungs does centriacinar emphysema affect ?
Upper part of lungs