COPD Flashcards
what is COPD
airway outflow obstruction 2/2 chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- obstruction is generally progressive
- may be accompanied by hyperreactivity
- may be partially reversible
- damage to lung parenchyma occurs
= deterioration in the elastic recoil of the lungs; early small airway collapse
= enlargement of air spaces, fibrosis, increased mucus production
chronic bronchitis
obstruction of the small airways
emphysema
enlargement of air sacs
COPD vs. asthma
obstruction in COPD is not reversible or not completely reversible w/ bronchodilators (as opposed to asthma)
risk factors for COPD
- cigarette smoking/2nd hand smoke
- industrial exposure
- ambient air pollution
- alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency (only known genetic abnormality, but accounts for <1% of cases)
anatomical changes in COPD
- enlargement of bronchial mucus glands
- mononuclear inflammation
- emphysema
- bronchoconstriction
- pulmonary fibrosis
s/s COPD
- chronic productive cough
- progressive exercise limitation
(bronchitis = cough, emphysema = dyspnea) - orthopnea
- sputum discoloration
- wheezing
PFT results of COPD
- decreased FEV1/FVC ratio
- decreased FEF 25-75%
- increased RV & noraml to increased FRC & TLC
- scooped expiratory curve on flow/volume loop
CXR results in COPD
hyperinflation
flat diaphragm
vertical cardiac silhouette
ABG results in COPD
chronic bronchitic (blue bloaters) - PaO2 <60mmHg & PaCO>45mmHg
emphysema (pink puffers)
- PaO2>60mmHg & PaCO2 usually normal
s/s emphysema
thin anxious, purse lips accessory muscles dyspnea scant secretions markedly diminished breath sounds RHF w/ pulm infection hyperinflation on CXR
s/s bronchitis
overweight cyanosis/dusky appearance cough copious secretions diminished breath sounds RHF/cor pulmonae increased bronchovascular markings on CXR
goal of COPD treatment
relieve the symptoms
slow the progression
treatment of COPD (chronic tx)
smoking cessation
supplemental O2 to PaO2 60-80 (NC at home)
home O2 is indicated for PaO2<55 or hct >55 or cor pulmonale
preop assessment of COPD patients
exercise intolerance chronic cough dyspnea breath sounds prolonged exhalation smoking