COPD Flashcards
(55 cards)
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
What causes COPD?
COPD is primarily caused by smoking and long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, such as air pollution and occupational dust.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
The main symptoms of COPD are chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea (breathlessness), especially during physical activity.
How is COPD diagnosed?
COPD is diagnosed through spirometry, which measures lung function, along with a clinical history of exposure to risk factors and symptoms.
What are the risk factors for COPD?
The primary risk factor for COPD is smoking, but other risk factors include long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, and a family history of the disease.
What is the treatment goal for COPD?
The goal of treatment for COPD is to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and prevent disease progression.
What are the stages of COPD according to the GOLD classification?
COPD is classified into four stages based on the severity of airflow limitation: Stage 1 (Mild), Stage 2 (Moderate), Stage 3 (Severe), and Stage 4 (Very Severe).
How is COPD managed?
COPD management includes smoking cessation, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as appropriate vaccination.
What is pharmacotherapy’s role in COPD management?
Pharmacotherapy aims to control symptoms, improve lung function, reduce exacerbations, and improve the quality of life in COPD patients.
How are bronchodilators used in stable COPD?
Bronchodilators are central to symptom management in stable COPD. They can be used either as needed or regularly to prevent or reduce symptoms.
What is the preferred method of delivery for bronchodilators?
Inhaled therapy is preferred for bronchodilators as it provides direct delivery to the lungs.
What is the role of Short-Acting Bronchodilators (SABA)?
SABAs, like Salbutamol, are used PRN (as needed) for quick relief of breathlessness in patients with COPD.
What is the role of Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (SAMA)?
SAMAs, like Ipratropium Bromide, help reduce mucus production and can be used up to four times a day in COPD management.
How do Long-Acting Bronchodilators and Muscarinic Antagonists help in COPD management?
Long-Acting Bronchodilators or Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMA) and Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABA) are used for persistent breathlessness and exercise limitations.
What are the signs of asthma in COPD patients?
Asthmatic features in COPD include a high eosinophilic count and substantial variation in FEV1.
What is the evidence comparing SABA vs SAMA in COPD treatment?
There is no systematic review comparing different short-acting bronchodilators, but evidence suggests both SABA and SAMA are more effective than placebo for intermittent breathlessness.
What are some examples of Long-Acting Inhaled Bronchodilators?
Examples include Spiolto Respimat (Tiotropium + Olodaterol) and DuaKlir Genuair (Aclidinium + Formoterol).
What factors influence the choice of Long-Acting Bronchodilators in COPD?
The choice depends on patient preference, individual response to trials, side effects, cost, and ease of use.
Why is combining LAMA and LABA beneficial in COPD?
Combining LAMA and LABA improves lung function, reduces exacerbations, enhances quality of life, and is the most cost-effective option for moderate to severe COPD.
What is the potential downside of excessive LABA use?
Excessive use of LABA can lead to side effects such as tremors.
How does renal function affect the choice of LAMA in COPD?
Renal function should be considered when prescribing LAMA. Tiotropium is not recommended for patients with a GFR < 50mL/min.
Why is Tiotropium important in COPD treatment?
Tiotropium helps improve lung function and reduce symptoms in COPD patients but should be used with caution in those with poor renal function.
How does the Spiriva Handihaler compare to the Spiriva Respimat?
The Handihaler is considered safer than the Respimat due to fewer cardiovascular concerns. The Respimat had previously been associated with increased mortality, but this was challenged by trials such as UPLIFT and TIOSPIR.
Why is the UPLIFT trial important for Tiotropium?
The UPLIFT trial showed that Tiotropium (Handihaler) resulted in fewer deaths and better long-term lung function compared to placebo.
