COPD ILOs

Question 1

What are the main pathophysiological changes in COPD?

Answer 1

Airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and alveolar destruction leading to airflow limitation.

Question 2

Describe the structural changes in the lungs in COPD.

Answer 2

COPD causes loss of elastic recoil, destruction of alveolar walls, enlarged air spaces, and fibrosis in small airways.

Question 3

What is emphysema in the context of COPD?

Answer 3

Emphysema is the destruction of alveolar walls, leading to enlarged air spaces and reduced gas exchange surface area.

Question 4

What is the pathophysiology of emphysema?

Answer 4

Decreased elastic tissue
Destruction to septa between alveoli
Bronchospasm

Leads to bronchial collapse - airway obstruction - enlarged air sac / air trapping - increased hyperinflation

Question 5

How does chronic bronchitis contribute to COPD?

Answer 5

Chronic bronchitis is marked by inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the bronchi, causing chronic cough and sputum production.

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis?

Answer 6

Increased inflammation leads to:

Increased mucus
Increased fibrosis
Increased bronchospasm

Leads to air trapping - increased hyperinflation