Respiratory Flashcards
(107 cards)
What causes COPD?
smoking, occupation, environmental exposure
What is chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
Chronic bronchitis = inflammation in the bronchi –> cough and sputum
Emphysema = dilatation of the alveolar sacs and alveoli –> reduced SA for gas exchange
What is the difference between COPD and asthma?
COPD is minimally reversible with bronchodilators (both obstructive)
What would you see on spirometry with COPD?
FEV1:FVC ratio of <0.7 = obstructive
Little to no response to reversibility testing
How do you assess the severity of COPD?
Mild = FEV1 >80%
Moderate = FEV1 50-79%
Severe = FEV1 30-49%
Very severe = FEV1 <30%
What does a CXR show for those with COPD?
Hyperinflation, flattening of diaphragm and hyperlucent lung fields
Why do COPD patients have polycythaemia?
Chronic hypoxia –> raised Hb
When should we test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Young patient (<40) with COPD symptoms, unresponsive to treatments given
what is the iniital steps in medical management of COPD?
SABA or SAMA
If there are no asthmatic or steroid responsive features what is the 2nd step in treating COPD? (after SABA and SAMA)
LABA and LAMA
If there are asthmatic or steroid responsive features what is the 2nd step in treating COPD? (after SABA and SAMA)
LABA and ICS
What is the third stage of managing COPD?
LABA, LAMA and ICS
What is cor pulmonale?
Right sided heart failure caused by respiratory disease - pulmonary HTN limits RV pumping blood into pulmonary vessels –> back pressure
What are the symptoms of cor pulmonale?
SOB, oedema, breathlessness on exertion, syncope, chest pain
What is the most common bacterial cause of infective COPD exacerbation?
Haemophilus Influenzae
What is the management for acute COPD?
- regular nebulisers - salbutamol and ipratropium
- steroids - prednisolone 30mg OD for 5 days
- antibiotics if signs of infection
- oxygen - guided by ABG numbers
- may require escalating to ICU or NIV
Which type of NIV is used for what type of respiratory failure?
Type 1 = CPAP
Type 2 = BiPAP
What is the pathophysiology of asthma?
Chronic inflammation in airways due to smooth muscle hypersensitivity –> bronchoconstriction that is reversible with bronchodilators
When are symptoms worse with asthma?
Diurnal variation - typically worse early in mornings and at night
What would you see on spirometry in asthma?
FEV1:FVC ratio of <0.7 (obstructive)
Reversibility of this with bronchodilators (should increase by at least 12%)
What other tests can be done to diagnose asthma in those with normal spirometry?
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide, peak flow variability, direct bronchial challenge testing
What is the step wise approach for asthma management?
- SABA PRN
- ICS low dose
- LRTA (discontinue if no effect)
- LABA
- Consider MART
- Increase ICS to moderate dose
- Consider high dose ICS/LAMA/theophylline
- Refer
During acute exacerbation of COPD what occurs on the ABG?
Initially have respiratory alkalosis due to raised respiratory rate –> respiratory acidosis as it progresses (bad sign as shows they are getting tired)
What are the features of moderate asthma? (1)
50-75% peak flow