COPD Flashcards
ddx for COPD
COPD chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma bronchiectasis central airway obstruction --bronchogenic or metastatic cancer or LAD TB obliterative bronchiolitis diffuse panbronchiolitis heart failure
what history suggests COPD
10+ year smoking history or significant second hand smoke
exertional dyspnea
what are the diagnostic criteria for COPD
on spirometry–>
FEV1/FVC less than 0.70
INcomplete reversal post bronchodilator
how does emphysema present
“pink puffer”
muscle wasting
weight loss
hyperventilation
how does spirometry distinguish between COPD and asthma
both have FEV1/FVC less than 0.70 but asthma has improvement with bronchodilator
what do you see on CT for bronchiectasis
bronchial wall thickening and bronchial dilation
what might you see on CXR in TB
upper lung zone scarring and/or calcified granulomata
*this is in a patient with persistent cough and constitutional symptoms
how does chronic bronchitis present
“blue bloaters”
CO2 retention, increased AP diameter
what common meds worsen COPD
ASA/NSAIDs
what are some red flags in asthma
rescue inhaler more than 3x per week
nocturnal symptoms
symptoms of cor pulmonale
indicators of severe/worsening COPD
what are 5 indicators of severe or worsening COPD
home O2
steroids
mobility assistance
obesity
4 or more episodes per year
what are signs of respiratory distress
fragmented speech pursed lip breathing nasal flaring tracheal tug accessory muscle use intercostal indrawing paradoxical abdominal movements tripoding reduced breath sounds
what signs would you look for specifically on peripheral exam for COPD/obstructive lung disease
peripheral or central cyanosis
clubbing
smokers fingers
eczema
what qualifies as “barrel chest”
AP/lateral diameter ratio above 0.9
what is hoovers sign
inward movement of the lower ribcage during inspiration instead of outward like normal
implies a flat, but functioning, diaphragm which is associated with COPD
what should you examine on palpation in the exam for COPD/obstructive lung disease
chest expansion hoovers sign tracheal deviation tactile fremitus subxiphoid cardiac impulse
what should you examine on percussion in the exam for COPD/obstructive lung disease
expect hyperresonance or loss of cardiac dullness
what qualifies as increased forced expiratory time
FET longer than 9 seconds
what would you expect on auscultation for COPD/obstructive lung disease
soft breath sounds
what would you expect to see on CBC-D in COPD/obstructive lung disease
increased hematocrit to compensate for deceased PaO2
in addition to CBC-D, what other blood test should be done in COPD and why
ABG
PaO2 for treatment assessment
PaCO2 to assess for CO2 retention and need for NIPPV during acute exacerbation
what blood work might you order in COPD/obstructive lung disease
CBC-D
ABG
what radiology might you order in COPD/obstructive lung disease
CXR
Echo–if s/s of RV dysfunction and PHTN
ECG
what special tests might you order in COPD/obstructive lung disease
spirometry/PFTs
allergy testing
BMD
sputum induction
methacholine challenge (asthma) if normal spirometry and asthma suspected
what is the appropriate O2 target in CO2 retainers/COPD/obstructive lung disease
88-92%
how to manage an emergent COPDE
ABCs
supplement O2 if below 88%
consider BiPAP in COPD if no need for intubation and have moderate hypercapnia/acidosis
intubate if–> respiratory failure, fatigue, unable to maintain adequate oxygenation
inhaled medications, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics in infectious cases
which COPD patients should be referred to pulmonary rehab
those with moderate to severe disease
what type of approach is best with pharmacological management for COPD
stepwise and use lowest step that achieves optimal control based on the patients severity of COPD
develop an exacerbation plan with the patient for pharmacologic therapies including short acting bronchodilators, oral corticosteroids and antibiotics
describe COPD
persistent airflow limitation that is typically progressive, not fully reversible, and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gasses i.e to cigarette smoke
what are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD
emphysema (destruction of alveoli)
chronic bronchitis (inflammation of bronchioles)
what is an AECOPD
increase in dysnpea, cough and/or sputum that is beyond normal day to day variation
may be acute in onset but can also have more indolent course and result in change in regular mediation
mortality risk increases as the number of exacerbations increases
what confirms the diagnosis of COPD
spirometry showing airflow limitation