COPD Flashcards

1
Q

describe what chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is

A

characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible

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2
Q

what is the main cause of COPD

A

cigarette smoking (90% cases in developed countries)

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3
Q

what other factors influence cause of COPD

A

climate, air pollution, urbanisation, social class, occupation

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4
Q

what are the main factors of pathophysiology in COPD (5)

A

emphysema, V/Q mismatch, loss of elasticity, airway inflammation + scarring, mucus secretion

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5
Q

what is emphysema

A

= abnormal, permanent enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchiole

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6
Q

describe how respiratory infections effect COPD patients

A

patients cope badly with resp. infections, they are often the precipitating cause of acute exacerbations of COPD

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7
Q

describe the characteristic symptoms of COPD

A

productive cough with white/clear sputum, wheeze + breathlessness, many years of smokers cough

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8
Q

give 4 examples of systemic effects of COPD

A

hypertension, weight loss, depression, reduced muscle mass

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9
Q

describe some signs of mild COPD and severe COPD

A

mild COPD = may be no signs or quiet wheezes through chest

severe COPD = tachypnoeic and prolonged expiration

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10
Q

describe what may be found in examination of COPD patient

A

poor chest expansion(lungs hyperinflated), loss of normal cardiac + liver dullness

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11
Q

what are the later stages of COPD characterised by and what may occur in advanced disease

A

later stages characterised by respiratory failure

advanced disease pulmonary hypertension may occur

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12
Q

describe how the typical diagnosis of COPD is made

A

usually clinical and based on history of breathlessness, sputum production and chronic smoking

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13
Q

describe what is seen in lung function tests for COPD

A

FEV1/FVC ratio is reduced and PEFR is low, lung volumes may be normal or low

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14
Q

describe what is often seen on a CXR in COPD and when an HRCT scan is useful

A

CXR = usually normal, even in advanced disease

HRCT useful when CXR normal

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