COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
A chronic, progressive lung disorder characterised by irreversible airway obstruction
Which 2 respiratory conditions does it encompass?
Bronchitis and Emphysema
What causes it?
Associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles and gases such as smoking or dusts
What is the classic defining sign?
Reduced bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio
What changes does it induce in the body?
The body usually relies on carbon dioxide to drive breathing, but in COPD the body adjusts to use Hypoxia as the driving force
What classification criteria must be met to diagnose copd?
Must have had a cough with sputum for 3 months of 2 successive years
What are Pink Puffers?
People with mainly Emphysema who have increased alveolar ventilation
What are Blue Bloaters?
People with mainly Bronchitis who have reduced alveolar ventilation and a low O2
Is it common?
Yes, 3 million adults are affected in the UK
Who does it affect?
Mainly people over 40 and those with co-morbidities such as Cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, osteoporosis etc
Risk factors (4)
Smoking, low socio-economic status, coal miner, occupational dusts and chemicals
Symptoms (4)
Cough (especially morning), clear/white sputum, dyspnoea, weight loss
Signs (8)
wheeze, tachypnoea, use of accessory muscles, hyperinflated chest, reduced cricosternal distance, reduced chest expansion, cyanosis, clubbing
Differentials (6)
Bronchiectasis, Lung cancer, TB, Bronchiolitis, Asthma, Heart failure
Investigations (6)
Peak flow, spirometry, Chest X-ray, FBC, ECG, Lung function tests (FEV1 <80% of predicted value)
