Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (OPD) Flashcards
What is obstructive pulmonary disease (OPD)?
Any disease of the airway the produces restriction to expiratory airflow, resulting in delayed and incomplete emptying of the lungs during exhalation- difficulty getting air OUT
What 4 things relates to obstructive pulmonary disease?
- retained secretions
- inflammation of the mucosa lining the airway walls
- bronchial constriction due to increased tone or spasm of bronchial smooth mm
- weakening of support structure of airway walls
What are the 2 main causes of obstructive pulmonary disease?
- Inhalation factors: cigarette smoke or other chemicals/air pollutants
- Genetics
What would an x-ray look like for someone with OPD?
-lung hyperinflation
-elevation of shoulder girdle
-horizontal ribs
-barrel-chested
-low and flat diaphragm
What happens to gas exchange in someone with OPD?
Oxygenation levels decrease and carbon dioxide vary depending on specific stage and disease
T/F exhalation becomes active in those with OPD
True- exhalation becomes forced due to the inability of a passive exhale b/c of the flattened diaphragm and during inspiration the accessory muscles have to be recruited
what is used to measure if a patient is getting a complete emptying of their lungs during exhale?
Spirometer: measures how fast and how much air you can blow out of your lungs
-FEV1: forced expiratory volume
-FVC: forced vital capacity
a normal FEV1/FVC= >75% (how much of the air that can be forcefully expired can be expired in 1 second)
**the ratio decreases as the severity of the disease increases
T/F those with OPD show smaller than normal total lung capacities and residual volumes
False- they have larger amounts due to the air trapping and hyperinflation
What is the purpose of pulmonary function tests?
To provide information regarding the volume of air the lungs contain after different levels of inhalation or exhalation
What are the disease specific obstructive lung conditions?
-COPD: chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema
-asthma
-cystic fibrosis
-bronchiectasis
T/F COPD is a preventable and treatable disease
True- however it is the 3rd leading cause of death in the world
What is emphysema?
A form of COPD where there is permanent enlargement of the bronchioles and destructive changes in the alveoli- results in loss of recoil of lungs, collapsing of airways during exhalation and chronic airflow obstruction
What is the major cause of emphysema?
Cigarette smoking
S/S of emphysema
-dyspnea
-little/no sputum production
-thin w/ elevated shoulders
-increased chest diameter
-wheezing
-breathes with accessory muscles and pursed lips
-leans forward on knees (dyspnea relief)
-rapid and shallow respirations
-absent cough
What is the most common symptom associated with emphysema?
Dyspnea
How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?
a chronic cough on most days for a minimum of 3 months/year for >2 consecutive years
What causes chronic bronchitis?
long-term irritation of the tracheobronchial tree:
-cigarette smoke
-environmental pollutants
-occupational irritants
S/S of chronic bronchitis
-chronic cough
-increased sputum production (excess mucus)
-dyspnea on exertion
-frequent respiratory infections
-cyanosis
-excessive body fluids
What are the “sayings” for emphysema vs bronchitis?
- Emphysema: pink puffer
- Chronic bronchitis: blue bloater
What are the systemic effects of COPD?
-cardiovascular disease: most significant non-respiratory contributor to death
-skeletal muscle dysfunction
-OP
-lung cancer
-depression
-respiratory infections and failure