COPD, Lung Cancer & Pulmonary Alterations Flashcards
(32 cards)
What defines COPD?
Irreversible obstruction of the airways, involving emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
What causes COPD?
Chronic exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and dust.
What defines chronic bronchitis?
Productive cough lasting ≥3 months per year for at least 2 consecutive years.
What pathophysiological changes occur in COPD?
Goblet cell hyperplasia, airway narrowing, alveolar wall destruction, air trapping, V/Q mismatch, hypoxaemia, hypercapnia.
What are hallmark symptoms of COPD?
Dyspnoea, chronic productive cough, wheezing, frequent infections, prolonged expiration, cyanosis.
How is COPD diagnosed?
Spirometry (↓ FEV₁/FVC ratio), chest X-ray, ABGs, clinical presentation.
What are the main goals of COPD management?
Avoid triggers, vaccination, rehab, good nutrition, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, long-term oxygen (88–92%).
What is the key difference between asthma and COPD?
Asthma is reversible and intermittent; COPD is irreversible and progressive.
What spirometry finding differentiates asthma from COPD?
Asthma shows significant FEV₁ improvement with bronchodilator; COPD does not.
How does pneumonia differ from asthma and COPD?
Pneumonia is an acute infection with fever, crackles, purulent sputum, and consolidation.
Which condition is most associated with elevated eosinophils and IgE?
Asthma.
Which has a productive cough with purulent sputum and fever?
Pneumonia.
72M, chronic cough, ex-smoker, FEV₁/FVC 55%, no bronchodilator response
COPD
25F, chest tightness with exercise/allergens, good bronchodilator response
Asthma
65M, fever, yellow sputum, pleuritic pain, lobar consolidation on CXR
Pneumonia
58M, COPD history, SOB, purulent sputum, no fever, low O₂
COPD exacerbation
40M, dry cough, nocturnal wheezing, no fever or sputum
Asthma
What are the 2 main types of primary lung cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, ~80%) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, ~20%).
Which type of lung cancer is more aggressive and often metastasizes early?
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
What are common risk factors for lung cancer?
Smoking, second-hand smoke, asbestos, radiation, environmental carcinogens.
What are clinical manifestations of lung cancer?
Cough, dyspnoea, haemoptysis, chest pain, anorexia, fatigue, weight loss, hoarseness, clubbing.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Chest X-ray, sputum cytology, CT scan, biopsy.
How is NSCLC staged?
Using the TNM system: Tumor size, Node involvement, Metastasis.
How is SCLC staged?
As limited or extensive.
