Case Study 1- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Question 1

What is COPD and explain the subtypes?

Answer 1

Long-term obstruction of airways due to own muscle obstructing them

Subtypes:
1. Chronic bronchitis- Inflammation and excess mucus within the airways- airflow limitation due to narrowing of airways

2. Emphysema- alveolar membrane breakdown

Question 2

How does longterm smoking cause COPD?

Answer 2

Long-term smoking or exposure to smoke and other airway irritants

Causes changes to the airways and chronic inflammation and irritation

This causes bronchoconstriction

Question 3

What are other risk factors of COPD?

Answer 3

Over the age of 35
Females more at risk
Air pollution
Genetics
Social economic status
Asthma

Question 4

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Answer 4

-Shortness of breath especially during physcial activity
- regular sputum production
-wheezing
-chest tightness
-lack of energy
-weight loss
-weight gain
-swelling on ankles

Question 5

How would COPD be diagnosed?

Answer 5

Spirometry
FEV1: Amount of air breather out in one second
FVC: Total amount of air breath out in one breath

In COPD:
Decrease FEV1 and FVC (FEV1 decrease is lower than FVC decrease

Ratio less than 0.7 usually indicates COPD however each ratio is different depending on patients bodyweight and height

Question 6

What are the pharmacological management for COPD?

Answer 6

1. Saba (salbutamol) or SAMA (iprotropium,
2. If not steroid responsive then offer: LAMA (