COPD Flashcards
1
Q
What does COPD stand for?
A
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
2
Q
What is COPD characterised by?
A
irreversible airflow obstruction
involves emphysema and chronic bronchitis
neutrophil infiltration–>this determines sputum colour
3
Q
What do COPD patients present with?
A
SOB decreased exercise tolerance sputum production cough wheeze increase RR barrel chest tachycardia CO2 retention- flap infection- they have a predisposition due to stagnant mucus
4
Q
What are bullae?
A
air filled sacs just below the visceral pleura
5
Q
What could happen if bullae rupture?
A
pneumothorax
6
Q
Investigations in COPD
A
Pulmonary function tests- spirometry CXR- hyper inflated lungs, flat diaphragm ECG- cor pulmonale? Bloods ABGs sputum microscopy
7
Q
How can you assess the severity and prognosis of COPD?
A
MRC dyspnoea scale and BODE index
