COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease characterized by airflow obstruction that is progressive, not fully reversible, and does not change markedly over several months.
COPD is an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic asthma.
What are the key features of normal airway clearance?
Airways are lined by:
* Cells that produce mucus
* Cilia that continually beat to move mucus along
Mucus traps dust particles and bacteria.
This is a defence mechanism of the respiratory system.
What happens in COPD regarding mucus production?
Excess mucus is produced, which is thicker and stickier, and the cilia are unable to beat.
Smoking can paralyze the cilia, leading to trapped dust and bacteria in the airways.
Define bronchitis.
A chronic disease of the lungs characterized by inflammation of the bronchi, leading to increased mucus production and narrowed airways.
Symptoms include wheezing, increased sputum production, and difficulty breathing.
What is emphysema?
A condition where the alveoli become inflamed, lose elasticity, over-expand, and cannot contract properly, reducing the surface area for gas exchange.
This results in difficulty breathing as trapped air cannot be released.
How is asthma characterized?
It is an episodic increase in airway obstruction caused by various stimuli, leading to increased airway resistance and is reversible.
Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness.
What are the primary causes of COPD?
- Cigarette smoking (90%)
- Occupational exposure (e.g., coal miners)
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Social deprivation
What are the clinical signs for diagnosing COPD?
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Cough
- Increased sputum
- Risk factors
- Rule out other causes
What spirometry results indicate in COPD?
Spirometry is used for:
* Diagnosis
* Categorizing severity
* Monitoring progression
What are the symptoms of early-stage COPD?
Often few symptoms, such as:
* Morning cough
* Chest infections in winter
* Breathlessness during vigorous exercise
What is the treatment for smoking cessation in COPD?
Patients are 4 times more likely to quit with help, advice, and nicotine replacement.
Stop smoking services are widely available in the community.
What medications are commonly used in COPD treatment?
- Inhalers
- Steroids
- Antibiotics
- Mucolytics
- Flu and pneumonia vaccines
What does pulmonary rehabilitation include?
- Exercise
- Education
- Self-management
- Diet
- Lifestyle modifications
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
A restrictive disease caused by inflammation and scarring of the lungs, resulting in reduced gas exchange.
Also known as Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis or Usual Interstitial Pneumonia.
What are the main symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?
- Severe breathlessness
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Clubbing of fingers and toes
What is the diagnosis process for pulmonary fibrosis?
Includes:
* Detailed patient history
* Clinical signs (breathlessness, cough, clubbing)
* Spirometry
* Bronchoscopy
* Chest x-ray and CT
What medications are used for pulmonary fibrosis?
- Pirfenidone (Esbriet)
- Nintedanib
These drugs help slow inflammation and scar tissue buildup.
How can patients with pulmonary fibrosis help themselves?
- Stop smoking
- Get early flu and pneumococcal vaccinations
- Avoid people with infections
- Stay active
- Eat a healthy diet
What is the prognosis for patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)?
There is no cure, and nearly half of patients will not live more than three years after diagnosis.
