Management of COPD Flashcards
Give some examples of COPD.
Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema. (hyperinflation)
What happens to the lungs in COPD?
The airway lining is often inflamed, and mucus may build up.
Which part of the lung is affected by chronic bronchitis - and what happens?
It affects the bronchi - it causes them to inflame and narrow - and mucous blocks and traps bacteria in the airway rather than clear them.
Which part of the lung does emphysema affect and how does it affect it?
alveoli - they are damaged so air exchange is affected.
What are some symptoms of COPD?
breathlessness, cough, recurrent chest infection, weight loss, cardiac disease, sputum production, wheeze and tight chest.
How can COPD be caused by smoking?
Free radicals that can cause an A1AT defiecny (which usually protects the lungs from inflammation.)
How can you diagnose COPD?
History
Clinical Signs - reduced chest expansion, hyperinfated chest,
Prolonged wheeze,
peripheral oedema.
Spirometry can confirm diagnosis.
May need extra tests like an ECG and bull blood count (Anaemia)
BMI check
what would mild COPD give you an FEV1/FEC off?
More than 80%
What would moderate COPD give you an FEV1/FEC off?
50-79%
Who is COPD more common in?
Over 35 years,
Smoker.
How can you make sure that COPD is not asthma?
things that COPD is that asthma is not :
Persistant,
not common at night
doesn’t run in the family (unless everyone smokes)
COPD complications - lung inflammation can cause increase in mucous production, and death of airway epithelium. This causes trapped mucus to become a vehicle for infection. What can this cause?
AECOPD, pneumonia.
COPD complications - inflammation in COPD is hyper-metabolic and consumes calories. What can this lead too?
Macro - nutrient deficiency, wasting, muscle atrophy.
How can COPD complications cause wasting and muscle atrophy?
Trouble with respiration - inactivity.
Hyper-metabolic, consumes calories.
How do you stop COPD progressing?
stop smoking
How do you relieve breathlessness?
inhalers. (may need long term o2 therapy if its v bad)
Can vaccinations help COPD?
aye - like the flu vaccine.
Whats best for pulmonary rehabilitation?
exercise.
what are some examples of inhaled therapy?
Short action bronchodilators
Long action bronchodilators
High dose inhaled corticosteroids
may need double or triple therapy.
What is AECOPD?
acute exacerbation of COPD - increase of symptoms.
How to treat AECOPD?
inhalers, steroids, antibiotics if infection. May require non-invasive ventilation if it goes really bad.
How many people in the UK have COPD?
1 million diagnosed, 2 million undiagnosed.
What is pursed lips breathing?
Breathing technique for people with COPD.
