Week 3 Flashcards
COPD
a respiratory disorder caused largely by smoking and is characterized by progressive, partially reversible air flow obstruction, with increasing frequency and worsening of exacerbations
emphysema
Destruction of the alveoli. One pathological change present in COPD.
Chronic bronchitis
the presence of a productive cough for 3 months in 2 successive years.
What is the primary cause of COPD
cigarette smoking
1st problem regarding cigarette smoking and the development of COPD
CO is a component of tobacco smoke. CO has a high affinity for Hb and binds with it more readily than O2, therefore reducing smokers oxygen carrying capacity
2nd problem regarding cigarette smoking and the development of COPD
smokers inhale a lower % of O2 than normal and as a result, less O2 is available at the alveolar level. Because the bloods O2 carrying capacity is reduced, the heart must pump more rapidly to adequately perfuse tissues
what is the basis of the chronic cough and sputum production seen in COPD
the irritating effect of smoke causes hyperplasia of the goblet cells which results in increased production of mucous
COPD is characterized by?
chronic inflammation found in the airways, lund parenchyma (bronchioles and alveoli) and pulmonary blood vessels
what is a main characteristic of COPD?
Inability to expire air
Defining features of COPD
- Airflow limitations during forced exhalation caused by loss of elastic recoil (cannot get air out)
- Airflow obstruction caused by mucous hypersecretion, mucosal edema and bronchospasm
bullae
large air spaces in the parenchyma
Blebs
air spaces adjacent to the pluerae
The pulmonary vascular changes that result from COPD cause?
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension
Small pulmonary arteries vasoconsrict due to hypoxemia. There is also thickening of the of vascular smooth muscle as disease advances
Pulmonary hypertension can lead to?
cor pulmonale because the heart is trying harder to pump blood to lungs through the narrowed pulmonary artery
clinical manifestations of cor pulmonale
intravascular fluid expansion and systemic venous congestion
What is the most common and most disabling symptom of COPD?
dyspnea
A diagnosis of COPD should be considered when a person experiences??
symptoms of cough, sputum production or dyspnea and has a history of smoking
What is the earliest symptoms of COPD?
intermittent cough, often in the morning
What is the goal of the clinical assessment?
to determine the severity of the disease and the effect on the patients quality of life
How is pack years calculated?
by multiplying the number of cigarette packs smoked daily by the number of years smokes
acute COPD exacerbation
a sustained worsening of dyspnea, cough or sputum production that leads to the increased use of maintenance medications. Fever, chills, or leukocytosis may not be present.
What is the most frequent complication of COPD?
pneumonia
Treatment for pneumonia
amoxicillin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid for 7-10 days
