W6 - COPD

Question 1

What is COPD characterised by

Answer 1

Airflow obstruction which is:
Progressive in severity
Not fully reversible
Doesn’t change markedly over several months
Umbrella term for chronic bronchitis, emphysema & chronic asthma

Question 2

What is chronic bronchitis

Answer 2

Bronchi become inflamed which causes more mucus to be produced = narrowing the airway so breathing is harder
Increased sputum production
Wheezing is common after coughing

Question 3

What is emphysema

Answer 3

Alveoli impnflamed and lose elasticity (over expand & lose ability to fill up and contract)
As air fills up some alveoli rupture and become one sac = reducing surface area for gas exchange
When breath out the trapped air cannot be released & breathing out becomes harder

Question 4

What is chronic asthma

Answer 4

Normal asthma that hasn’t been treated well = causes scarring of the airway, chronic inflammation & irreversible effects

Question 5

Causes of COPD

Answer 5

Smoking
Occupational exposure
Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
Social deprivation

Question 6

Diagnosing COPD

Answer 6

Detailed patient history
Clinical signs : breathlessness, cough, increased sputum
Spirometer
Chest X-rays

Question 7

Classification of COPD

Answer 7

Early disease = few symptoms. Morning cough, chest infections in winter, SOBOE, reduced spirometer
Moderated disease = range of respiratory symptoms, cough, wheezing, Sob
Severe disease = severe symptoms, weight loss, raised JVP & peripheral oedema

Question 8

Treatment for COPD

Answer 8

Stop smoking
Physio

Question 9

Medication for COPD

Answer 9

Inhaler
Steroids & antibiotics
Mucolytics
Flu & pneumonia vaccines

Question 10

Pulmonary rehab

Answer 10

Exercise
Education
Self management
Diet
Lifestyle modification