revisiting COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
Characterised by airflow obstruction which is
Progressive in severity
Not fully reversible
Does not change markedly over several months and is an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic asthma
What can go wrong with airway clearance in COPD?
In COPD and bronchiectasis excess mucus is produced, mucus is thicker and stickier, cilia are unable to beat, so dust and bacteria stay trapped in the airways, mucus builds up and provides warm moist environment for bacteria to grow and infections can develop.
What is bronchitis?
Chronic disease of the lungs where the bronchi become inflamed. The inflammation causes more mucus to be produced, which narrows the airways and makes breathing more difficult. There is increased sputum production. Wheezing is very common especially after coughing. This is because the inflamed airways may narrow for short periods of time. This also reduces the amount of air that enters the lungs.
What is emphysema?
A condition where the alveoli of the lungs become inflamed and lose their natural elasticity. They over expand and lose their ability to fill up and contract properly. As air fills up in these sacs, some rupture and become one sac reducing the surface area for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When you breathe out, the air cannot be released and breathing becomes more and more difficult.
What is asthma?
A common disease in the uk. It shoes an episodic increase in airway obstruction caused by various stimuli resulting in increased airway resistance. It causes inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Common sytomons include breathlessness, wheeze, tightness in the chest, reduced airflow through the airways. It can become chronic.
What are the initial clinical signs of someone who presents with COPD?
Breathlessness on exertion, cough, increased sputum
What are some treatments for COPD?
Quitting smoking, medications including inhalers, steroids and antibiotics, flu and pneumonia vaccines
Pulmonary rehab- exercise, education, self management, diet and lifestyle modifications
