COPD Flashcards
describe COPD
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
irreversible airflow obstruction resulting in progressive decline of disease
what two clinical syndromes make up COPD
chronic bronchitis - cough and sputum for 3months caused by neutrophilic inflammation
emphysema - enlarged air spaces distal to terminal bronchioles causing impaired gas exchange
what factors increase risk of developing COPD
smoking
age
pollution
what are the symptoms of COPD
productive cough with regular sputum
dyspnoea
wheeze
infective exacerbations
what are the clinical signs of COPD
tachypnoea, use of accessory muscles for inspiration, reduced FEV1 and FVC
what are the complications of COPD
infective exacerbations
respiratory failure
cor pulmonale
investigations for COPD
smoking history
spirometry
ABGs - reduced over time
what is the initial treatment for COPD
SABA eg salbutamol or SAMA eg ipratropium
if FEV1 >50% what treatment is given
LABA eg salmeterol followed by ICS if condition worsens
if FEV1 <50% what treatment is given
immediately LABA + ICS - if condition worsens add in LAMA
what is an example of a SAMA
ipratropium
what is an example of a LAMA
tiotropium or glycopyrronium
what is the oxygen sats target for someone with COPD and why
88-92%
due to risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure
what level of oxygen do you give for someone with COPD
24%
