week 3- COPD Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
A lung disease characterized by progressive, largely irreversible airflow obstruction.
What are the common symptoms of COPD?
Progressive dyspnea, chronic cough, prolonged expiration, wheezing, diminished breath sounds.
What is the main cause of COPD?
Cigarette smoking (90% of cases).
Define chronic bronchitis.
Productive cough > 3 months per year for at least 2 consecutive years in the absence of other causes of chronic cough.
Define emphysema.
Destruction and permanent dilation of alveolar sacs.
What is the prevalence of COPD worldwide?
11.7% with annual deaths of 3 million.
What demographic factors influence the prevalence of COPD?
Age (peaks around 50-60 years), sex (more prevalent in men, rising rates in women).
List some risk factors for COPD.
- Premature birth
- Low body weight
- Lower socioeconomic status
- Poor nutrition
- Childhood respiratory disorders
- Preexisting airway reactivity
What is the pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis?
Chronic inflammation leads to progressive airway obstruction through endothelial damage, mucous gland hyperplasia, airway edema, and peribronchial fibrosis.
What is the role of proteases in emphysema?
Proteases break down elastin and connective tissue, leading to tissue destruction and alveolar enlargement.
What are the two morphological patterns of emphysema?
- Centriacinar emphysema
- Panacinar emphysema
What are common symptoms during acute exacerbations of COPD?
Worsening dyspnea, increased cough, purulent sputum production, wheezing.
What physical examination findings are associated with COPD?
- Tachypnea
- Hypoxia
- Muscle wasting
- Barrel chest
- Prolonged expiration
- Wheezing
- Cyanosis
What is the GOLD classification for COPD?
- GOLD I: Mild (FEV1 ≥ 80%)
- GOLD II: Moderate (FEV1 50%-79%)
- GOLD III: Severe (FEV1 30%-49%)
- GOLD IV: Very severe (FEV1 < 30%)
What is the significance of a post-bronchodilator test in COPD?
Assesses the reversibility of the obstructive condition; minimal reversibility in COPD.
What is the first-line management for COPD?
Smoking cessation.
List some pharmacotherapy options for COPD.
- Short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol)
- Long-acting bronchodilators (e.g., salmeterol)
- Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide)
- Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (e.g., roflumilast)
What are common complications of COPD?
- Respiratory failure
- Respiratory infections
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Osteoporosis from long-term steroid use
- Weight loss or cachexia
What is the differential diagnosis for COPD?
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchiolitis obliterans
- Heart failure
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pulmonary embolism
What role does pulmonary rehabilitation play in COPD management?
Guided exercise and behavioral interventions to improve functional capacity.
Fill in the blank: The FEV1/FVC ratio is typically less than _______ in COPD.
< 70%
True or False: Emphysema is characterized by increased elastic recoil.
False
