COPD Flashcards
(26 cards)
What does COPD stand for
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
What other diseases are associated with COPD
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
What is emphysema
Alveoli are abnormally inflated, causing chronic shortness of breath and chronic cough
Part of COPD
What is bronchitis
Where the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed
Causes cough and mucus production, fever and chest discomfort
What is COPD?
Group of lung diseases eg: bronchitis and emphysema, which cause breathing difficulty
Long term obstruction
Caused by smoking
What structures in the lungs are affected?
Small and large airways, bronchi, alveoli are dissolved
What main symptoms are there for COPD
- chronic cough
- shortness of breath
- frequent respiratory infection
- wheeze
- sputum production
What predisposing factors are there in COPD?
Smoking
Family history of lung disease
Why is family history important when taking a history for COPD?
Mutations in the 1 alpha trypsin genes can exacerbate symptoms
What are the big 3 lung conditions
Pneumonia
Lung cancer
COPD
What is main cause of COPD
Lung exposure to irritants:
- smoking
- air pollution
- duct/chemicals
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency exacerbates symptoms
Diagnosis of COPD
- medical history
- examination
- spirometry tests
- chest X-rays and CTs to rule out other conditions
FEV1
How much air is exhaled in one second
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second
Shows degree of obstruction, more obstruction = lower FEV1
FVC meaning
Total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled - indicates total lung capacity
Forced Vital Capacity
What does FEV1/FVC ratio tell you?
It is the proportion of the lung capacity that can be exhaled in the first second - healthy is about 80%
Lower than 70% - obstructive lung disease
How is FEV1/FEV ratio measured?
Spirometry - it can assess the severity of the COPD
Is COPD curable?
NO - only manageable by medicine, lifestyle change, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehab
How does smoking as a lifestyle change impact those with COPD?
Symptoms improve in 90% of patients
Does COPD progress markedly overtime?
NO - slow progression
Is COPD obstructive or restrictive
Obstructive
Medication for COPD
Bronchodilators - inhalers
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Most severe treatment option for those with COPD
Lung transplant
Complications of COPD
- Resp infection
- heart issues
- low oxygen levels
- lung cancer
- depression/anxiety risk
How do you calculate pack years?
Number of packs smoked a day * years smoked
A pack is usually 20 cigarettes, therefore smoking 20 cigarettes a day for a year is 1 pack year, smoking 40 cigarettes a day for a year is 2 pack years.
Higher the pack tears = greater risk for COPD
