Management of COPD Flashcards
what is COPD called when related to airflow obstruction?
chronic bronchitis
how reversible is chronic bronchitis?
not fully reversible
what is COPD called when related to hyperinflation of terminal bronchiole/alveoli?
emphysema
what is the effect of having lots of neutrophils and elastase?
tissue damage
what does an increased number of alveolar macrophage do?
increased alveolar macrophage, elastase and metallo-proteinases provoke tissue damage
what causes tissue damage in COPD?
increased neutrophil and elastase in the blood, increased alveolar macrophage, elastase and metallo-proteinases in the alveoli
what causes increase in elastase?
congenital alpha-1-AT deficiency and ‘functional’ alpha-1-AT deficiency
what causes ‘functional’ alpha-1-AT deficiency?
inactivation of antiproteases caused by reactive oxygen species (‘free radicals’)
what causes increase in neutrophils?
nicotine and IL-B, LT4 and TNF
what releases nicotine and reactive oxygen species?
tobacco
what are the main respiratory symptoms for COPD?
chronic cough, exertional breathlessness, sputum production, frequent “winter” bronchitis, wheeze, chest tightness and recurrent chest infection
what none-respiratory symptoms does COPD cause?
loss of muscle mass, weight loss, cardiac disease, depression, anxiety etc
patient bio- when to suspect COPD?
aged 35 or more, current or former smokers
what are the clinical differences between COPD and asthma in terms of age difference?
COPD: >35 years
asthma: any age
what are the clinical differences between COPD and asthma in terms of cough?
COPD: persistent and productive
asthma: intermittent and non-productive
what are the clinical differences between COPD and asthma in terms of smoking history?
COPD: invariably always one
asthma: possible
what are the clinical differences between COPD and asthma in terms of breathlessness?
COPD: progressive and persistent
asthma: intermittent and variable
what are the clinical differences between COPD and asthma in terms of nocturnal symptoms?
COPD: uncommon unless in severe disease
asthma: common
what are the clinical differences between COPD and asthma in terms of family history?
COPD: uncommon unless family members also smoke
asthma: common