COPD Flashcards
what is COPD?
mixed airway reversible obstruction and destructive lung disease
what are the components of COPD?
asthma and bronchiectasis & emphysema
what is bronchiectasis
disease of airways where there is recurring damage to the airway caused by infection, changes to the airway wall so it is scarred, thickened and difficult to clear mucous
what happens with bronchiectasis?
damage to the airway, dilation of the airway and increased mucous
what is bronchiectasis characterised by?
productive cough through winter months producing green sputum
what is emphysema?
destruction of alveoli and the dilation of others to fill space
what are the symptoms of COPD?
chronic cough, mucous, fatigue, dyspnoea, chest discomfort, shortness of breath
what causes COPD?
chronic asthma made worse by age and smoking
what are the widespread complications of COPD?
higher risk of pneumonia, heart failure and acute respiratory distress
what are patients classified to?
risk of exacerbations and death, severity of the symptoms
what is the general management of COPD?
person specific usually non-drug based (smoking cessation)
what drugs can be used in COPD and what for?
beta agonists for the reversibility of airways and corticosteroids for patients with inflammatory change
what are the options for managing COPD?
smoking cessation, long acting bronchodilator, systemic steroids, oxygen support, pulmonary rehab
what is type 1 respiratory failure?
alveolar effects (hypoxia)
what is type 2 respiratory failure?
poor ventilation (CO2 retention and hypoxia)
what occurs in type 1 respiratory failure
reduced surface area for gas exchange, thickening of alveolar mucosal barrier, often hyperventilate to compensate
what occurs with type 2 respiratory failure?
airway narrowing and restrictive lung defects
what is the result of type 1 respiratory failure?
hypoxaemia and thickening of alveolar barrier
what is the result of type 2 respiratory failure?
hypercapnia, ventilation failure
summarise type 1 respiratory failure
poor alveolar ventilation, diffusion abnormality, ventilation perfusion mismatch
summarise type 2 respiratory failure
only ACUTE respiratory failure, airway blockage or narrowing, accessory muscles needed, acute or chronic infections
what should you do in the acute stage of respiratory failure?
used oxygen until medical help arises and watch respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
what should you do in the chronic stage of respiratory failure
use oxygen with care - fixed percentage for delivery
when is home oxygen therapy most effective?
if used 24hrs
what are things to consider with airflow obstruction and dentistry
supply O2 for dental visits, home oxygen flammable if treatment done at home, candida risk of inhaled steroids so rinse mouth after used and use spacer, oral cancer risk for smokers and ex-smokers
