How would you classify obstructive lung disease using spirometry?
FEV1/FVC ratio < 70%
Describe how the severity of COPD is measured.
By % predicted FEV1 post bronchodilator
How would you distinguish between COPD and asthma using spirometry?
Aside from reversibility seen in spirometry, how else would you investigate asthma?
How would restrictive lung disease present in spirometry?
- FEV1/FVC ratio > 70%
List some causes of restrictive lung disease.
What methods are used to measure lung volume?
- body plethysmography
Describe the changes in lung volume seen in obstructive and restrictive disease.
obstructive: increased RV and RV/TLC ratio
restrictive: lung volume decreased
Discuss the usage of transfer factor and what it is affected by.
In which conditions is transfer factor reduced?
What must you be aware of when giving oxygen to patients with acute asthma, COPD or hypoventilation?
their O2 stats will now appear normal
Name causes of hypoxaemia.
What is a ‘shunt’?
extreme form of V/Q mismatch where blood bypasses the lungs altogether
Describe how you would identify a V/Q mismatch.
Describe the acid-base differences between acute respiratory acidosis and compensated acidosis.
- compensated: increased pCO2, increased HCO3-(renal compensation), normal H+
Define COPD.
- usually progressive, not fully reversible
What are some causes of COPD?
smoking, environmental pollution, occupational dusts, alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency
Describe the effects of cigarette smoking on the airways.
Define emphysema.
abnormal permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to terminal bronchioles
Define chronic bronchitis.
the production of sputum on most days for at least 3 months in at least 2 years - other causes of cough must be excluded
Discuss the pathology of bronchitis.
Differentiate between bronchitis and bronchiolitis.
What are the cells and components that lead to the inflammation seen in bronchitis?
Describe the mechanisms that lead to airway obstruction.