COPD

Question 1

what does COPD stand for?

Answer 1

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Question 2

what is COPD?

Answer 2

• a group of lung conditions that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems
• including bronchitis and emphysema

Question 3

what is meant by Bronchiectasis?

Answer 3

airway becomes widened leading to build up of excess mucous, more susceptible to chronic infection

Question 4

what is bronchiectasis characterised by?

Answer 4

by a productive cough (w/ phlegm) throughout certain months

Question 5

what does green sputum indicate?

Answer 5

presence of infection

Question 6

what occurs when mucus levels increase in the lungs?

Answer 6

reduced airway diameter

Question 7

what is emphysema?

Answer 7

destruction of alveoli

Question 8

what occurs during emphysema?

Answer 8

destruction of alveoli causes dilation of some other alveoli to ‘fill space’

Question 9

what are common COPD symptoms?

Answer 9

• chronic cough
• production of mucous
• fatigue
• shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• chest discomfort

Question 10

what are some causes of COPD?

Answer 10

• smoking
• pollution
• AAT gene deficiency
• chronic bronchitis
• asthma
• age

Question 11

what are some complications of COPD?

Answer 11

• heart failure
• frailty
• depression
• pneumonia
• acute respiratory distress syndrome

Question 12

what are some ways of managing COPD?

Answer 12

• smoking cessation
• long acting bronchodilator
• inhaled steroids
• oxygen support (if there is a failure of respiratory system)

Question 13

what can COPD progress to?

Answer 13

respiratory failure

Question 14

what are the types of respiratory failure?

Answer 14

• type one

- type two

Question 15

what is type one respiratory failure?

Answer 15

hypoxia caused by damage of the lung tissue

Question 16

explain oxygen and CO2 levels in a patient with type 1 respiratory failure?

Answer 16

• low oxygen

- normal CO2 levels

Question 17

what is commonly seen in those with type one respiratory failure?

Answer 17

hyperventilation

Question 18

what is type 2 respiratory failure?

Answer 18

occurs when the respiratory system cannot sufficiently remove carbon dioxide from the body (poor alveolar ventilation), leading to hypercapnia

Question 19

when should oxygen be used in COPD patients?

Answer 19

in the acute stage if the patient is hypoxic, only use until medial help arises

Question 20

what dental problem can inhaled steroids increase the risk of? and how can this be prevented?

Answer 20

Candidiasis risk!!! (Oral thrush)

• prevented by rinsing mouth after device use
• use a SPACER device for MDI puffers