COPD

Question 1

Give the symptoms of COPD

Answer 1

• worsening dyspnoea
• dyspnoea on exertion
• cough
• clear/mucoid sputum production
• symptoms present all day/year
• symptoms insidious over long period of time
• weight loss if severe
• haemoptysis if severe

Question 2

Give the signs of COPD

Answer 2

• CO2 tremor
• hepatomegally
• oedema
• central cyanosis
• hyper-expanded chest
• accessory muscles of breathing in use
• cardiac dullness to percussion
• reduced breath sounds

Question 3

What percentage of COPD is attributable to smoking?

Answer 3

85%

Question 4

Give the investigations you would do for COPD

Answer 4

• spirometry
• full pulmonary function tests
• bronchodilator reversibility
• CXR
• ABG
• FBC
• ECG
• sputum culture

Question 5

Give treatments for COPD

Answer 5

• smoking cessation
• vaccinations
• pulmonary rehab
• nebulised bronchodilator
• short acting beta-2 agonists
• bronchodilators
• anti-muscarinic agents
• long term oxygen
• palliative care