COPD: Chronic Bronchitis Flashcards

1
Q

Definition

A

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes
- defined by production cough for at least 3 months of the year for at least 2 consecutive years.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Aetiology

A

Same as COPD = smoking
Exposure to air pollution (sulphur and nitrogen dioxide)
Exposure to dust or silica
Family history

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Pathophysiology

A

Ciliary dysfunction (e.g. from smoking) causes hypertrophy + hyperplasia of the bronchial mucinous glands (in the bronchi) + goblet cells (in the bronchioles) = leads to increased mucous production = lungs can’t empty properly = Since bronchioles are smaller, even a small amount of extra mucus can lead to obstruction =
increased air trapping = decreased FEV1 + FVC + high TLC
Smoking also makes the cilia shorten
People can also develop lung infections behind the mucus plugging (esp. during winter)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Epidemiology

A

Occupation
Whites

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Symptoms

A

SOB
Productive cough
CO2 retention
- headache
- asterixis
- confusion
- drowsy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Signs

A

Tachypnoea
Hypoxaemia
Hypercapnia
Cyanosis “blue bloaters”
Portal hypertension or Cor pulmonale = peripheral oedema, raised JVP, loud pulmonary sound
Wheeze on auscultation
Barrel chest = suggests hyperinflation + air trapping due to incomplete expiration
Crackles/rales on auscultation
- caused by popping open of small airways as the air moves through them

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Suspect COPD if…

A

Suspect COPD if over 35+ in long term smoker + one of:
- Chronic SOB
- Cough
- Sputum production
- Wheeze
- Frequent resp infections

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Complications

A

Cor pulmonale
Lung infections

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly