deck_1670798 Flashcards
Define COPD
Is a chronic, slowly progressive disorder characterised by airflow obstruction, which does not changed markedly over several months.
What are the characteristics of COPD?
Is preventable and treatable. — Have exacerbations— Certain disorders contribute to it — emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma—Collection of causes/diseases
How is airflow obstruction defined?
— Reduced FEV1— Reduced FEV1/FVC ratio
What are the main causes of COPD?
- An abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases2. Anti protease deficiency3. Empysema can also be caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
What are the main mechanisms of COPD?
Inflammation (airway and systemic)Alveolar destructionHyperinflationRespiratory muscle inefficiencySkeletal muscle dysfunction
What are the main impacts of COPD?
Mobility issues due to breathlessnessHealth status is generally poorerEffects on moodExacerbations HospitalisationsDeath
What is the pathogenesis of COPD?
Noxious substances are inhaled which triggers and immune response form the host. These responses amplify the effects of the noxious substancesDamage is done by oxidative stress adn anti-proteinases
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Productive cough (due to chronic bronchitis)DyspnoeaWheeze (from small airways)Tends to develop after years of having a smokers cough
What are the signs of COPD?
Quiet wheezesHyperventilation with prolonger expiration (due to emphysema)Need to use accessory muscles of inspirationHyperinflation of lungs
Why is hyperinflation of the lungs a sign of COPD?
Need to inhale more air in order to get sufficient amount of gas exchangeIs a compensatory mechanism for the loss of elastic recoil
What is a treatment that can help people who show signs of hyperinflation?
Can remove emphysematous lung in order to return the chest wall to normal. It can help to ease the act of breathing.
What are the main ways to asses someone who has COPD?
HistoryChest x-rayFEV1Lung function testsHigh resolution CT scan
What factors do you look for in the history of someone you suspects has COPD?
smokingLength of symptom occurrencePast medical history e.g. asthmaJob history e.g. coal worker, working with asbestosMRC dyspnoea scale
What is the MRC dyspnoea scale?
A scale which allows you to determine the severity of breathlessness depending on the activities that are limited
Why do you order an x-ray?
Rules out other lung pathologiesCan see certain COPD characteristics
Give some COPD chest x-ray characteristics
Flattening of the diaphragmIncreased size of the chest, as measured from front to back.A long narrow heart.Abnormal air collections within the lung (focal bullae).
What are the changes seen in FEV1 testing?
Reduced FEV1 (more so than expected for age)Reduced FEV1/FVC ratio (>70%)
Give some lung function measurements that confirm COPD?
Total lung volume – will be lowered in COPDLung diffusion testing determines how well gas exchange is taking place (also will be reduced)
Why is a high resolution CT scan performed?
Detects emphysema
What can be seen on a high resolution CT scan on someone with emphysema?
Damages parenchyma with loss of elasticityLarge holes are present where the lung has been damagedCan see giant bullas (dilated airways - air can enter but cannot leave so increase in size)
Define sprirometry
Patient fills their lungs from the atmosphere and breathes out as far and as fast as possible through a spirometer.
What is a normal blood gas seen in someone who has type one respiratory failure?
Increased respiratory rateDecreased pO2Normal/decreased pCO2
What is a blood gas seen in someone who has type two respiratory failure?
Increased respiratory rateDecreased pO2Increased pCO2
When is oxygen therapy given?
Treatment for hypoxaemia– it increases oxygen saturation levels
Give some characteristics of oxygen therapy
Can be used in the long term and is portable
Why would you prescribe someone with oxygen?
Improves survival or people who are in respiratory failureRelieves dyspnoeaImproves the quality of life Can be used in the long term, portable and intermittent oxygen therapyGives the accessory respiratory muscles a rest
What are the treatment options for COPD?
Stop smokingBronchodilatorsInhaled steroids– These control the symptoms rather than giving a cure
What bronchodilators would you use first?
Short term bronchodilator firstThen a long term bronchodilatorCorticosteroids are used when a patient has increased exacerbations
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Gives the patient exercises and allows them to improve exercise capacity which should help to improve their breathlessness. It increases muscle strength and density as well as mitochondrial density, capilliarisation and increase mitochondrial enzyme release.
Why is pulmonary rehabilitation beneficial?
Reduces effects of breathlessnessGives patient more independenceMakes patient feel more comfortable and improves their general health statusIs more cost effective and reduces hospital stays
Define an exacerbation
Worsening of a previously stable condition associated with a declining health status
What are the characteristics of an exacerbation?
— increase wheeze, dyspnoea, sputum volume and colour, chest tightness and fluid retention
What are some treatment options for exacerbations?
— Increase/add bronchodilator— Antibiotic if needed— Oral corticosteroids— Admit to hospital— Oxygen— Assisted ventilation