COPD Flashcards
what is the WHO definition of COPD
chronic obstruction of lung airflow and is not fully reversible
what terms does COPD cencase
chronic bronchitis, emphysema
what is the no. 1 cause of COPD
SMOKING
what are some of the other causes of COPD
smoking
occupation
what % of smokers develop COPD during their lifetime
50%
what does the fletcher-peto curve show
that when a smoker stops smoking their FEV1 returns to the same trajectory as non smokers
what are the typical COPD symptoms
SOB
recurrent chest infections
persistant cough
wheeze
productive cough
what are some of the less common COPD symptoms
weight loss
fatigue
decreased exercise tolerance
cor pulmonalea
what are the investigations for COPD
history
chest x ray
spirometry after post-bronchodilator
what FEV1/FVC shows a lack of reversibility
less that <0.7
what would a patient with COPDs FEV1 be
FEV1/FVC is <70%
why might a chest x ray be carried out on a patient with COPD
exlude alternative diseases/ malignancy
look for hyperinflation ofd the lungs = flat extended idagraphm
what would suggest COPD compared to asthma
smoker
over 35
crhonic productive cough
persistant and progressive SOB
what are people with chronic bronchitis known as
the blue bloated
what are people with emphysema known as
the pink puffers
why are peole with chronic bronchitis known as the blue bloated
overweight and syanotic
elevated haemoglobin
pheriferal edema
wheezing
why are people with emysema classified as the pink puffers
sever \SOB
old and thin
hyperinflated - falttend diagprpham
quiet chest
what can cause acute exacerbations of COPD
bacterial/viral infections are the most common reasons
what are the treatmets for acute COPD flaire ups
O2
nebuiled bronchodilator
oral IV corticosteroids and antibiotus
what is emphysema
a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
what is COPD
airflow obstruction
progressive
not fully reversible
what non respiratory symptoms can COPD cause
loss of muscle mass
weight loss
cardiac disease
depression, anxiety
what might be found on clinical examination of a COPD patient
reduced chest expansion
prolonged expiration/wheeze
hyperinflated chest
resp failure - cyanosis
pheriferal oedema
what are some non-pharmacological managments of COPD
smoking cessation
vaccinations
- annual flu vaccine
pulmonary rehabilitation
