COPD

Question 1

Briefly explain what COPD is.

Answer 1

COPD is an airway inflammatory disease that is usually precipitated by smoking. It results in the destruction of lung tissue, parenchyma. It is a progressive and deteriorating disease. Note that COPD is typically seen in older patients. Response to treatment is poor.

Question 2

Name 3 main causes of COPD.

Answer 2

Inhalation of biomass gases.
smoking
childhood influences

Question 3

What are 3 tell-tale signs of COPD?

Answer 3

Dyspnoea
Coughing
Coloured sputum

Question 4

How is COPD diagnosed?

Answer 4

Clinical examination
- Airway obstruction and inflammation are late signs of COPD
CT Scan:
- It will appear as though there are holes in the lungs
Use of a bronchodilator
- Less than 0.7mm post bronchodilator. In Asthma, it would appear normal

Question 5

What does COPD affect?

Answer 5

Systemic systems
Airway
Parenchyma

Question 6

What are the consequences of COPD

Answer 6

Respiratory distress
Atherosclerosis
Osteoperosis
Small airway disease
Parenchymal and elastic tissue damage

Question 7

What treatment is imperative for COPD patients?

Answer 7

Oxygen supply
SAMA and SABA
Anticoagulants
Antibiotics
Non-invasive ventilation
Mechanical ventilation
Steroids

Question 8

How can one best manage COPD?

Answer 8

Recognze the disease
Avoid risk factors
Treat co-morbidity (CVD!)
Reduce mortality
Rehab programme
Relivers
- SAMA/LAMA (Anti-cholinergics)
- LAMA/LABA (Beta-agonists)

Question 9

Name two causes of COPD.

Answer 9

Smoking

Biomass fuel inhalation

Question 10

Name 3 consequences of COPD

Answer 10

Systemic illness
Destruction of lung parenchyma
Airway damage to less than 2mm

Question 11

What are the 3 kinds of COPD and what kind patients do they bring about?

Answer 11

Chronic obstructive bronchitis
- Blue bloaters (Cyanosis and RHF)

Emphysema
- Pink Puffers (destruction of lung tissue)

Mixture
- Majority of cases

Question 12

What are the 2 types of emphysema?

Answer 12

Centrilobular emphysema

Panacinar emphysema

Question 13

Explain the differences between centrilobular and pan-acinar emphysema.

Answer 13

Centrilobular emphysema

• Occurs in the upper lobes mainly
• Due to cigarette smoking
• (Note that cigarette smoke moves upward)

Panacinar emphysema:

• Found in the lower lobes
• Due to an alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency