COPD clinical features Flashcards
what is COPD
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and or alveolar abnormalities. common, preventable and treatable. includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis (and asthma)
clinical features of COPD
cough, breathlessness, sputum, frequent chest infections, wheezing, (weight loss, fatigue, swollen ankles). can all differ in severity. get worse over time
what causes COPD
smoking, biomass fuel, air pollution, occupational exposure to dust or fumes, pre existing asthma
alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
rare inherited disease that presents with early onset COPD in people under age of 45. leads to alveolar damage and emphysema
alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
rare inherited disease that presents with early onset COPD in people under age of 45
examination findings for COPD
cyanosis, pursed lip breathing, hyperinflated chest, cachexia, use of accessory muscles, wheeze, peripheral oedema, raised Jugular venous Pressure, RR less than 25 per min
indications of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
basal predominance of emphysema, young person showing signs of COPD, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis
examination findings for COPD
cyanosis, pursed lip breathing, hyperinflated chest, cachexia, use of accessory muscles, wheeze, peripheral oedema, raised JXP
indications of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
basal predominance of emphysema, young person showing signs of COPD, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis
investigations done in hospital for COPd
chest x ray, blood gases, sputum culture, viral throat swab, full blood count, kidney function
how can spirometry help in COPD diagnosis
in asthma, spirometry can be normal but with COPD, spirometry will be abnormal- FEV1 80% less than predicted value or higher depending on severity
how are lungs affected by COPD
decreased ventilation due to obstruction of airflow and decreased perfusion due to emphysema so matched defect. sometimes ventilatory failure if ventilation of pCO2 is decreased- flapping tremor.
where does emphysema usually occur
in upper zone of lungs due to inhalation of smoke
cor pulmonale
condition that causes right side of the heart to fail due to increased blood pressure due to smoking or hypoxia. can cause fluid retention. caused by severe COPD
secondary polycythaemia
raised haemoglobin level which causes blood to thicken and increases risk of stroke. caused by severe COPD
