Management of COPD

Question 1

Define the aims of COPD management strategies.

Answer 1

improve exercise tolerance, prevent exacerbations, nutrition/weight loss, anxiety/depression, complications

Question 2

Explain how to assess the severity of acute and chronic COPD.

Answer 2

acute- non-invasive ventilation

severe- lung function tests- increased residual volume and total lung capacity and reduced gas transfer

Question 3

Define the investigations used in the assessment of a COPD exacerbation.

Answer 3

increasing breathlessness, cough, sputum volume, wheeze, chest tightness

Question 4

Describe the classes of drugs and modes of delivery available in the management of obstructive lung diseases, both asthma and COPD.

Answer 4

inhaled therapy- SABA, LABA,
long term oxygen

Question 5

Describe non-pharmacological aspects of COPD management.

Answer 5

smoking cessation, vaccinations, pulmonary rehabilitation, nutritional assessment, psychological support

Question 6

Define the role of patient education in the management of COPD.

Answer 6

aware of lifestyle implications

Question 7

Contrast the management of asthma with strategies for management of COPD.

Answer 7

COPD- treatment and asthma- preventable

Question 8

Describe other treatment strategies which are important in the palliation of COPD.

Answer 8

management of breathlessness, morphine, psychological support,