January 21, 2016 - Asthma/COPD/Bronchiectasis C/C

Question 1

Approach to Dyspnea

Answer 1

Could be cardiac, pulmonary, or other.

Cardiac could be CAD, myocardial, valvular, or pericardial.

Pulmonary could be airways, pump, parenchyma, vascular, interstitial, or alveolar.

Other could be anemia, hyperthyroid, metabolic acidosis, anxiety, or deconditioning.

Question 2

Pathobiology of COPD

Answer 2

Smoking creates reactive oxygen species (free radicals) which damages tissue.

Additionally, free radicals causes the inactivation of antiproteases (“functional” alpha-AT deficiency) which leads to an increase in neutrophil elastase, which leads to tissue damage.

Over time, this leads to emphysema.

Question 3

Emphysema

Answer 3

Holes in the lungs.

Causes them to look like an old sponge.

Question 4

COPD is a Systemic Disease

Answer 4

Can create mental disorders

Glaucoma and cataracts (because of steroids)

Lung cancer

Skeletal muscle dysfunction

Cardiovascular problems

Metabolic disorders

Infections

Osteoporosis

Question 5

Asthma vs COPD vs Heart Failure

Answer 5

Question 6

Asthma vs COPD vs Bronchiectasis

Answer 6