Respiratory Diseases - COPD Flashcards
1
Q
Give a definition of COPD
A
- COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- lung disease characterised by chronic obstruction of lung airflow
- interferes with normal breathing
- not fully reversible, life threatening
- umbrella term, can be used for chronic bronchitis and emphysema
2
Q
What are the risk factors of COPD?
A
- tobacco smoke exposure
- asthma + smoking
- occupational exposure to dust and chemicals
- exposure to fumes from burning fuel
- age 35 + another risk factor
- genetics
3
Q
What is the pathophysiology of COPD?
A
- obstruction caused by narrowing of airway lumen
- thickening of mucosal lining
- excess mucus
- dilation of air spaces by destruction to their walls; decreasing lung elastic recoil (which normally holds airways open in expiration)
4
Q
What are the clinical signs and symptoms of COPD?
A
- regular sputum production
- SOB; getting worse
- SOB during physical activity
- frequent cough with or without sputum
- noisy breathing
- tightness in the chest
- tiredness
- frequent lung infections
- change in appetite
- weight loss
5
Q
What are the clinical signs of COPD?
A
- hyperinflation
- descended trachea
- prolonged expiratory phase
- respiratory distress
- quiet breath sounds
- wheezes
- cyanosis
- cor pulmonale (right heart enlargement)
6
Q
What are the severe symptoms of COPD that need emergency medical attention
A
- bluish/grey fingernails or lips
- trouble catching breath
- inability to speak
- confusion
- fainting
- increased heart beat
- swelling in ankles, feet and legs
- cor pulmonale
7
Q
What examination would you perform for suspected COPD?
A
- case Hx
- spiromatery
- x-ray/other imaging to rule out other lung pathologies
8
Q
What are the treatment/Management options of COPD?
A
- stop smoking
- lifestyle advice - breathing exercises not that useful for COPD; not always useful to prescribe exercise
- B2 adrenoreceptor agonists
- corticosteroids
- vaccinations up to date
- occupational advise - PPE and ventilation
- smoking cessation support
- identify/manage other long term conditions
9
Q
What do you need to consider when managing respiratory conditions such as COPD?
A
- how does the disease effect the patient?
- how have they adapted or maladapted?
- lifestyle advice
- breathing exercises - potentially?
10
Q
What physical examination would you perform for a PT with suspected COPD?
A
- case history
- observation
- chest exam - palpation and ausculation
11
Q
Are spirometry and peak flow tests measuring the same thing?
A
- No.
- spirometry measures the amount of air you breathe out in one second + total volume of air you can exhale in a forced out breath
- peak flow measures how well the air flows out of your lungs
12
Q
What would you expect to see in COPD presentation?
A
- long term smoker
- chronic SOB
- cough
- sputum production
- wheeze
- recurrent respiratory infections, particularly in winter
