Clinical features of COPD Flashcards
what is COPD?
chronic, slowly progressive disorder characterised by airflow obstruction that does not change markedly over several months (mainly defined by airflow)
how permanent is COPD?
most of the lung function impairment is fixed, although some reversibility can be produced by bronchodilator (or other) therapy
does the definition of COPD mention smoking, bronchitis, emphysema, symptoms?
no
what happens to alveolar attachments during COPD?
loss of elasticity and disrupted alveolar attachments
what happens to the airway during COPD?
airway thickens, luminal occlusion by secretion of mucus and inflammatory exudate happens (+ goblet cells in the epithelium)
what happens to the local immune system during COPD?
lymphoid follicles found in the airway wall in severe disease
what is the UK prevalence of COPD?
1,5-2 million
which proportion of patients affected are diagnosed?
50%
how many UK patients are diagnosed with COPD?
1,2 million
is there a male or a female predominance in COPD?
male predominance
how stable is this prevalence?
increasing
COPD ranks as which most common cause of death worldwide? in the UK?
5th worldwide, 6th in the UK
what is the biggest impact of COPD on people? (from most important to least)
climbing stairs, gardening, housework, dressing, sleep disturbance
what cause is 85% of COPD attributable to?
smoking
what cause are the remaining 15% of COPD attributable to?
chronic asthma, passive smoking (not significantly), maternal smoking, air pollution, occupation (mining, concrete, farming, plastics, textiles, rubber, leather…)
