normal values of FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC?
FEV1 - <80% abnormal
FVC <80 abnormal
FEV1/FVC <0.7 = airway obstruction and normal FEV1/FVC but low FVC = airway restriction
type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure?
type 1; hypoxia and normal or low co2 -> typically caused by PE
type 2; hypoxia and hypercapnia
signs of hypercapnoea?
obstructive lung disease?
restrictive lung disease?
• FEV1/FVC above 0.7 • FVC & FEV1 below 80% predicted value • Due to restriction, lung volumes are small and most of breath is out in first second • Interstitial lung disease: - FIBROSING ALVEOLITIS - SARCOID
transfer co-efficent?
• Measure of ability of oxygen to diffuse across the alveolar membrane
• Can calculate by inspiring a small amount of carbon monoxide (not too
much since can kill) then hold breath for 10 seconds at total lung
capacity (TLC) then the gas transferred is measured
low in; COPD and anaemia
high in; pulmonary haemorrhage
COPD
• A disease state characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible
• The airflow limitation is usually both progressive and associated with an abnormal
inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases
epidemiology of COPD?
aetiology of COPD?
pathophysiology of COPD?
chronic bronchitis - COPD physiology
• There is airway narrowing and hence airflow
limitation as a result of hypertrophy and
hyperplasia of mucus secreting glands of
the bronchial tree, bronchial wall
inflammation and mucosal oedema
• Microscopically there is infiltration of the
walls of the bronchi and bronchioles with
acute and chronic inflammatory cells
• The epithelial layer may become ulcerated and, with time, squamous
epithelium replaces the columnar cells (squamous metaplasia) when
the ulcer heals
• The inflammation is followed by scarring and thickening of the walls,
which narrows the small airways
• The small airways are particularly affected early in the disease, initially
without the development of any significant breathlessness
• The initial inflammation is reversible and accounts for the improvement
in airway function if smoking is stopped early
• In the later stages, the inflammation continues, even if smoking is
stopped
• Patients chronic bronchitis are referred to as blue bloaters
emphysema - COPD pathology
• Defined as dilatation and destruction of the lung tissue distal to the
terminal bronchioles
• Results in loss of elastic recoil, which normally keeps the airways open
during expiration
• Leads to expiratory airflow limitation and air trapping
• Premature closure of airways limits expiratory flow while the loss of
alveoli decreases capacity for gas transfer
• Patients with emphysema are referred to as the pink puffers
types of emphysema
pathogenesis of cigarette smoking?
clinical presentation of COPD?
investigations of COPD?
COPD treatment?
asthma? epidemiology
3 key characteristics of asthma?
• Bronchial inflammation with T lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils
with associated plasma exudation, oedema, smooth muscle hypertrophy,
mucus plugging and epithelial damage
types of asthma?
• Allergic/eosinophilic asthma (70%):
- Allergens (e.g. fungal allergens and pets etc.) & atopy (readily develop IgE)
• Non-allergic/non-eosinophilic (30%):
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ASTHMA?
first bronchoconstriction then inflammation due to immune cell infiltration and then worsening inflammation due to eosinophil
remodelling - hypertrophy and hyperplasia causing excess airway narrowing
clinical presentation of asthma
life threatening asthma attack?
immediate management for asthma attack
• Oxygen therapy to maintain O2 sat (94%-98%)
• Nebulised 5mg salbutamol (+ ipratropium if life threatening) - repeat/IV
infusion
• Prednisolone (with or without hydrocortisone IV)
• Take arterial blood gases and repeat within 2 hours if severe attack or
patient deteriorating
• Chest X-ray if fails to respond to treatment
• Check PEFR within 15-30 mins/regularly
• Oximetry to ensure SaO2 is greater than 92%