Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)?
Inflammation of the airways leading to reduced air-flow and difficulty breathing
What are the main two types of COPD?
Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
What is Chronic Bronchitis?
Increase mucus production + inflammation + narrowed bronchioles leads to chronic airway obstruction
Why is a barrel chest symptoms a symptom of chronic bronchitis?
Airway obstruction leads to trapped air, so an increase in total lung capacity which presents as a barrel chest
What is the pathophysiology of emphysema?
Normal elasticity of the airway is lost, leading to permanent abnormal enlargement of the alveoli
What are the consequences of emphysema?
- Decreased surface area for gas diffusion (can cause hypoxemia or hypercapnia)
- Loss of lung recoil making it harder to expel air
What are the causes of COPD?
Mainly smoking, industrial/atmospheric pollutants
What defiency can lead to increase risk of developing COPD?
Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, as not enough is made in the liver
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Progression SOB, reduced exercise intolerance, persistent cough, sputum production, wheeze, weight lost/peripheral muscle weakness
Systemic features of COPD?
Cachexia, osteoporosis, skeletal muscle wasting, loss of appetite
What is the time frame for a diagnosis of COPD ?
Cough and overproduction of mucous for 3 months each year, for 2 consecutive years
What other signs of COPD are there when carrying out respiratory examination?
Cardiac apex not palpable, dullness on percussion, raised JVP, use of accessory muscles, reduced cricosternal distance
COPD presentation in chronic bronchitis?
BLUE BLOATER - bluish lips (low levels of oxygen/hypercapnia + VQ mismatch)
Why can chronic bronchitis lead to pulmonary hypertension?
Vasoconstriction occurs to get blood to healthy alveoli (as some are dying/dead), so increase in pulmonary vascular pressure
What are the MAIN symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
Productive cough, sputum production, cyanosis, wheezing, prolonged expiration
COPD presentation in emphysema?
PINK PUFFER - reddish complexion, puffing (hyperventilation), thin pursed lips
What are the clinical symptoms of emphysema?
VQ mismatch, ABGs show less hypoxemia than blue bloater, tachypnoea, difficulty breathing
What investigations can we use to diagnose COPD?
Spirometry (reduction in PEFR, FEV1, FVC), chest x-ray, FBC, BMI calculated, sputum culture,
Normal Spirometry: FEV1, >80% & FVC, >80%
What are the treatments for COPD?
Lifestyle advice (quit smoking, exercise), supplemental oxygen, medication (bronchodilators, inhaled steroids)
What is cor pulmonale?
Pulmonary hypertension leads to enlargement of right-side of heart, resulting in right-sided heart failure
What is cor pulmonale?
Pulmonary hypertension leads to enlargement of right-side of heart, resulting in right-sided heart failure