COPD Treatment

Question 1

How do we treat COPD with predominant breathlessness

Answer 1

SABA

Then SABA + LAMA

Then SABA + LAMA/LABA

Question 2

How do we treat COPD with exacerbations

Answer 2

SABA + LAMA

Then

SABA + LAMA/LABA

Then

SABA + LAMA/LABA/ICS

Question 3

How do we treat acute exacerbations of COPD in primary care?

Answer 3

SABA

Steroids - prednisolone 40mg per day 5-7 days

Antibiotics - if there is evidence of infection but most exacerbations are secondary to viral

Question 4

When should we consider admitting to hospital for AECOPD

Answer 4

If they are

Tachypnoea
Low oxygen sats < 90-92%
Hypotension

Question 5

How do we manage Acute Exacerbation of COPD on a ward

Answer 5

Target 88-92% oxygen sats

Nebulised broncho dilators

Corticosteroids steroids

Antibiotics

Assess for evidence of resp failure - clinical and ABG

Question 6

How do we manage acute resp failure in COPD?

Answer 6

Non invasive ventilation