COPD and Asthma

Question 1

What is COPD?

Answer 1

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - common and preventable

Question 2

What is Asthma?

Answer 2

Chronic inflammation of the airways

Question 3

What are the 3 main conditions which contribute to COPD?

Answer 3

Chronic Bronchitis
Emphysema
Asthma

Question 4

What are risk factors for COPD?

Answer 4

Smoking
Occupational particulates/chemicals
Genetics - a1-antitrypsin deficiency

Question 5

What effect does cigarette smoke have on the airways?

Answer 5

Macrophages in the alveoli are activated leading to Cytokine, mediator, ROS and chemotactic release
This causes proteases to be released which damages the alveolar walls (emphysema) and increases mucus secretion (Chronic bronchitis)

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology of COPD?

Answer 6

Mucociliary dysfunction
Structural changes
Airflow limitation
Systemic reaction

Question 7

What are the causes of asthma?

Answer 7

Family history
Atopic reactions
Childhood respiratory infections
Exposure to allergens

Question 8

How do allergens cause asthma?

Answer 8

Activates hypersensitivity pathways

Question 9

What is Spirometry and how are the results interpretted?

Answer 9

Diagnostic test to determine the functionality of the lungs
FEV1:
50-80% = Mild
30-49% = Moderate
<30% =

Question 10

What would you expect to see on a thoracic radiograph of a patient with COPD?

Answer 10

Diaphragm sits very low giving larger lung cavity

Question 11

What are FENO tests?

Answer 11

Patient breathes in certain amount of NO and the amount expired in a given time determines the functionality of the lungs