COPD

Question 1

Definition of COPD

Answer 1

COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is characterised by obstructed airflow that is progressive in severity and cannot be fully reversed

It is an umbrella term for
chronic asthma
chronic bronchitis
and emphasised

Question 2

Causes of COPD

Answer 2

• Smoking
• Occupational exposure
• social deprivation
• Alpha 1 dysfunction

Question 3

Basic patho of COPD

Answer 3

• There is excessive mucus produced
• the mucus is thick and sticky
• the cilla cant waft it
• smoking paralyses Cilla
• the dormant mucus is a good place for pathogens, resulting in an infection

Question 4

What is bronchitis

Answer 4

Chronic infflamtion of the bronchis
this inflammation leads to excess mucus production
it is difficult for the cilla to move the mucus
a wheeze is common as it is difficult for air to travel through the narrowed, due to inflammation, airways

Question 5

What is emphysema

Answer 5

• inflammation and loss of natural elasticity of the alveoli
• This results in overexpansion, inability to contract, and rupture of alveoli which reduces the surface area for gas exchange
• Breathing out, some of the gas remains trapped leading to feelings of breathlessness

Question 6

What is asthma

Answer 6

• Common, episodic airway obstruction as a result of multiple stimuli
• airways are sensitive: become narrowed, inflamed, irritated

Question 7

COPD classification

Answer 7

Early: some symptoms LFT may show some obstruction, Morning cough, breathless OE

Moderate: worsening symptoms, Barrel chest, wheeze

Sever: blue skin, weightloss, peripheral odema