COPD

Question 1

Why have I not been given a corticosteroid for my COPD?

Answer 1

• to do with the different cell types involved in COPD and asthma
• neutrophil is dominant cell in inflammation whereas eosinophil is main one in asthma
• eosinophils respond well to corticosteroids but neutrophils do not
• you would not benefit
• can also increase risk of a chest infection in COPD

Question 2

How can I manage my COPD?

Answer 2

• smoking cessation service
• will not stop progression or restore lost function
• sudden cessation shows better improvement
• pulmonary rehabilitation
• when mobility affected by disease
• lots of components - exercise, dietary advice, education
• long term O2 therapy
• severe flow impairment
• cannot be smoking for this
• surgery
• treating and managing co morbidities
• vaccinations

After all this has been managed, inhaled therapies can start

Question 3

Some of the differences between asthma and COPD

Answer 3

COPD
- frequent chest infections
- increasing breathlessness
- symptoms get worse
- frequent wheezing
- persistent cough
- not inherited
- older patients
ASTHMA
- less frequent chest infections
- episodes of breathless w/ flare ups
- symptoms get worse in flare ups
- episodes of wheezing
- cough with episodes
- some inheritance
- any age