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Medicine Phase 2a Respiratory > Simple COPD > Flashcards

Flashcards in Simple COPD Deck (17)
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1
Q

What is it?

A

Chronic obstructive airway disease that is characterised by its irreversibilty

2
Q

2 underlying pathologies of COPD

A

Chronic bronchitis (in blue bloaters)
Emphysema (in pink puffers)
Remember BC and EP

3
Q

Pathophysiology of Chronic Bronchitis

A

Chronic infection results in the chronic infiltration of the respiratory submucosa by inflammatory cells
This results in mucous gland hyperplasia and smooth muscle hypertrophy, causing bronchial lumen narrowing

4
Q

Pathophysiology of Emphysema

A

Alveolar walls are destroyed resulting in bullae formation and the fusion of adjacent alveoli
This ultimately results in a decreased surface area for gas exchange and decreased elastic recoil with subsequent air trapping

5
Q

Causes

A
GASES:
Genetics
Air pollution
Smoking
Exposure through occupation e.g. coal mining
Secondhand smoke exposure
6
Q

Example of genetic cause of COPD

A

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Results in the loss of protection against proteases

7
Q

Complications

A
CLIPPeR:
Cor pulmonale
Lung cancer
Infections
Pneumothorax
Polycythaemia
Respiratory failure
8
Q

What is cor pulmonale

A

Right-sided heart failure due to chronic pulmonary hypertension

9
Q

What type of antibiotics are used for infections that result from COPD

A

Macrolide antibiotics

10
Q

How to confirm diagnosis of COPD

A

Spirometry:
FEV1 value <80% predicted
and
FEV1/FVC <0.7

11
Q

Investigations of COPD

A
Spirometry
CXR
Bloods: FBC, U and Es, WCC, ESR, CRP, alpha-1 antitrypsin levels
ECG
Sputum culture
12
Q

What would you see on a chest X-ray of COPD patient

A

Hyperinflation
Emphysematous change
Diaphragmatic flattening

13
Q

Why would you take an ECG in COPD investiagtions

A

To check for cor pulmonale

14
Q

How would you assess severity of COPD

A
GOLD scale:
Stage 1 = mild COPD
Stage 2 = moderate COPD
Stage 3 = severe COPD
Stage 4 = very severe COPD
15
Q

*Treatment of COPD

A
ABCS, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation:
Anticholinergics e.g. ipratropium
Bronchodilators e.g. salmeterol
Corticosteroids
Smoking cessation is imperative

Oxygen therapy

16
Q

Types of Oxygen therapy

A
Long term oxygen therapy (LTOT)
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV)
17
Q

3 cardinal symptoms of COPD

A

Productive cough/sputum production
Dyspnoea
Chronic cough