COPD: Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema Flashcards
Includes diseases that cause poorly reversible airflow obstruction and abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs
COPD
The main cause of COPD
Smoking
Causes of COPD
Smoking Air pollution Inhaling dust Fumes of fuel or in the workplace Genetics
Inflammation and irritation of the lining of the bronchial tubes
Chronic Bronchitis
Causes/ risk factors of chronic bronchitis
Smoking Long- term exposure to lung irritants Age Genetics Family history
Pathophysio of Chronic bronchitis
Risk factors and causes- causes an irritation to the airway: smooth muscle hypertrophy and mucus secretion. Now, bronchial walls are thickened, bronchial lumen are narrowed, and mucus is plugging the airway. It will be hard for oxygen to reach the alveoli (where gas exchange happens). Alveoli will then be damaged, and alveolar macrophages will not function properly
Abnormal distention of the air spaces beyond the terminal bronchioles, with the destruction of the walls of the alveoli
Emphysema
Pathophysio of Emphysema
Risk factors, causes- alveolar macrophages will react to these pollutants by releasing cytokines, that activate neutrophils, that release proteases such as elastase. Elastase breaks down the elastin, that protects the airway and keeps it open. Therefore, damages the alveolar wall, increase dead space, and impaired oxygen diffusion.
Medical management of patients with COPD
- Risk reduction (smoking cessation)
- Pharmacologic Therapy (bronchodilators, corticosteroids in the metered-dose inhaler)
- Management of exacerbation
- Oxygen therapy (2L/min via nasal cannula)
Nursing management of patients with COPD
Patient Education
- Breathing exercises
- Activity pacing
- Self- care activities
- Nutritional therapy
Relieve bronchospasm and reduce airway obstruction by allowing increased oxygen distribution throughout the lungs and improving alveolar ventilation
Bronchodilators
A pressurized device containing an aerosolized powder of medication
Metered- dose inhaler
