COPD Flashcards
Describe the defining features and epidemiology of COPD and its aetiological factors.
airflow obstruction, progressive, not fully reversible. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Describe the major pathological features of the common obstructive lung diseases, asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema and their complications (including hypoxic cor pulmonale).
chronic inflammation causes structural changes, narrowing of small airways and destruction of the lung which leads top loss of alveolar attachments in small airways
Differentiate the main causes of wheezing illness.
smoking, occupation, lower social economic classes. air pollution, increasing age
Describe the symptoms, signs and clinical patterns of COPD.
cough, breathlessness, sputum, frequent chest infections, wheezing, weight loss, fatigue and swollen ankles
Define the specific features to be included in the clinical history of COPD.
type of cough, exposure history, family history, childhood chest problems
Define the investigations used to diagnose COPD.
history, spirometry, symptoms diagnose if >35 years, presence of risk factor, absence of clinical features of asthma. airflow obstruction confirmed by spirometry<0.7
Explain how to assess the severity of acute and chronic COPD.
acute- spirometry values, inhalers, antibiotics
severe- confusion, cyanosis, flapping tremor due to CO2 retention
Describe similarities and differences between asthma and COPD.
COPD- nearly all smoke, rare to be seen under 35, chronic cough present, persistent breathlessness, DONT wake at night, day to day symptoms don’t vary
describe alpha-1antitrypsin deficiency
rare, inherited disease, present with early onset of COPD<45 years. AAT is a protease inhibitor made in the liver.
cor pulmonale
enlargement of ride side of the heart due to pulmonary hypertension can be caused by COPD,
loss of vascular bed and chronic hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) due to alveolar wall destruction.
