3 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Free Online FlashCards

What characterizes COPD?

COPD is a preventable and treatable condition with persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.

What spirometry finding generally confirms persistent airflow obstruction in COPD?

Spirometry confirms the diagnosis; persistent obstruction is generally defined by a post-bronchodilator $\mathrm{FEV}_1/\mathrm{FVC} < 0.70$.

What are major causes or contributors to COPD?

Long-term tobacco smoke exposure is a major cause. Air pollution, workplace exposures, and inherited conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also contribute.

How can COPD-related airway inflammation restrict airflow?

Inflammation can thicken and narrow small airways and increase mucus production, making airflow—especially exhalation—more difficult.

What is one effect of alveolar-wall destruction in COPD?

Destruction of alveolar walls reduces the lungs’ elastic recoil, making it harder to breathe out fully.

Why can activity increase air trapping in COPD?

Damaged air sacs may empty slowly. During activity, the next breath can begin before exhalation is complete, increasing air trapping and breathlessness.

How can COPD affect blood gases?

Impaired gas exchange can cause low blood oxygen and, in advanced disease, carbon-dioxide retention.

What defines a COPD exacerbation?

It is an acute worsening beyond usual day-to-day symptoms, such as increased breathlessness, cough, sputum volume, or sputum purulence.

What commonly triggers a COPD exacerbation?

Viral or bacterial infections are common triggers; smoke, air pollution, and other irritants can also contribute.

Which signs during a COPD exacerbation require urgent evaluation?

Severe breathlessness, confusion, cyanosis, poor response to usual treatment, or suspected respiratory failure requires urgent evaluation.

What treatments may be used for a COPD exacerbation?

Treatment depends on severity and assessment. It commonly includes short-acting inhaled bronchodilators; many moderate or severe episodes also receive a brief course of systemic corticosteroids, with antibiotics when bacterial infection is likely.

How is oxygen commonly titrated during an acute COPD exacerbation in patients at risk of hypercapnia?

Give oxygen when indicated and titrate it to a prescribed target. For patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, clinicians commonly use a monitored target saturation of 88–92% while assessing blood gases.