COPD

Question 1

what does COPD stand for

Answer 1

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Question 2

what is COPD

Answer 2

• refers to several conditions of the lungs where airways become inflamed + narrow
• COPD includes severe asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema
• the inflammation leads to permanent changes over time

Question 3

what are some permanent changes that happen over time, caused by the inflammation

Answer 3

• thickening of the bronchiole walls
• increased mucus production - chronic bronchitis
• damage to the alveoli - emphysema
• decrease in lung tissue elasticity

Question 4

what are the symptoms

Answer 4

• persistent coughing
• breathing difficulty
• regular chest infections
• reduced lung capacity

Question 5

what can COPD lead to

Answer 5

an inability to exercise + reduced quality of life

Question 6

what are the risk factors

Answer 6

• smoking (biggest risk factor)
• sedentary lifestyle limits the use of the lower lobes of the lung tissue which increases risk of infection

Question 7

what is the impact of training on COPD

Answer 7

• Maintains full use of lung tissue + elasticity which decreases the risk of infection associated with COPD
• increased respiratory muscle strength which decreases respiratory effort
• decreased resting breathing rate which reduces fatigue –> making everyday tasks easier
• increases surface area of alveoli which maximises gas exchange
• however, someone with COPD may have reduced lung capacity, difficulty breathing deeply or a persistent cough which makes training difficult/impossible