COPD

Question 1

Define COPD

Answer 1

Heterogeneous lung condition characterised by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, expectoration, exacerbation) due to abnormalities of the airway (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction

Question 2

Define Chronic bronchitis

Answer 2

A chronic productive cough over at least 3 months in each of two successive years in a patient in whom other causes of chronic cough have been excluded.

Question 3

Define Emphysema

Answer 3

Enlargement of the airspace distal to the terminal bronchioles that is accompanied by destruction of the airspace walls.

Question 4

What are the 3 types of emphysema?

Answer 4

1. Centri-acinar: distension and damage of the lung tissue are concentrated around the respiratory bronchioles
   2.Pan-acinar: associated with alpha-anti trypsin deficiency, distension and destruction affect the whole acinus
   3.Irregular: scaring and damage affect lung parenchyma patchily