Skin and Respiratory Health - COPD Flashcards
Q: What is COPD?
A: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive and irreversible chronic inflammatory response in the lungs that causes airflow limitation due to damage to airway and lung tissue.
Q: What are the two main pathologies associated with COPD?
A: Emphysema (dilation and destruction of alveolar sacs) and Chronic Bronchitis (inflammation and thickening of the bronchial lining with mucus hypersecretion).
Q: What is the predominant cause of COPD?
A: Smoking is the predominant cause of COPD, responsible for approximately 90% of cases.
Q: What other factors contribute to COPD development?
A: Exposure to lung irritants such as air pollution, industrial chemicals, and dust, along with genetic susceptibility.
Q: Why is smoking cessation crucial for COPD management?
A: Cigarette toxins initiate inflammation by activating the NFκB pathway, leading to an inflammatory cascade in the lungs that worsens COPD symptoms.
Q: How does weight management impact COPD?
A: Maintaining a healthy weight is important as being overweight can put extra strain on the lungs and heart, while being underweight increases the risk of sarcopenia and pulmonary cachexia.
Q: Which foods should be excluded for better COPD management?
A: Foods to avoid include refined grains, sugar, fast foods, processed foods, saturated fats, alcohol, and mucus-producing foods such as cow’s dairy.
Q: What types of foods should be included in a COPD diet?
A: Nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods like fresh juices, broths, and vegetables (lightly cooked), and include anti-inflammatory kitchen herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Q: What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids in COPD?
A: Omega-3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory benefits, improve energy levels, and support overall health in COPD patients.
Q: How does Vitamin D influence COPD management?
A: Vitamin D deficiency in COPD is linked to a higher risk of exacerbations and lung function decline.
Q: What is the benefit of combining bioflavonoids with Vitamin C in COPD?
A: Bioflavonoids enhance Vitamin C’s effectiveness, improve free radical scavenging, and are positively associated with better lung function and reduced cough and breathlessness.
Q: How do antioxidants like Vitamins A and E play a role in COPD?
A: Antioxidants help combat increased oxidative stress during disease exacerbations, with deficiencies linked to worsening symptoms and lower lung function.
Q: How does N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) support COPD patients?
A: NAC helps by thinning mucus (mucolytic), increasing glutathione to reduce oxidative damage, and improving lung function. It also reduces exacerbations and supports bacterial clearance.
Q: What role do fish oils play in managing COPD?
A: Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation, improves body composition, and enhances exercise performance in COPD patients.
Q: How does Shiitake mushroom help in COPD?
A: Shiitake mushrooms improve immune function, increase phagocyte activity, and enhance the body’s antiviral defenses, supporting the immune system in COPD patients.
Q: What benefits does Cordyceps offer for COPD patients?
A: Cordyceps improves lung function (FEV1) and exercise tolerance by reducing fatigue and enhancing immune support.
Q: How does Thyme benefit COPD management?
A: Thyme has expectorant, mucolytic, and antibacterial properties, helping to loosen mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways.
Q: How do eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils aid COPD patients?
A: Inhalation of these essential oils can loosen mucus and dilate the airways, improving airflow and easing breathing.
Q: How does exercise benefit people with COPD?
A: Exercise improves body weight, muscle strength, lung capacity, and overall quality of life in COPD patients, as long as it’s adapted to individual abilities.
Q: What additional therapies can help COPD patients breathe more easily?
A: Manual therapies like osteopathy and physiotherapy, as well as breathing exercises, support improved breathing mechanics and lung function.
