COPD GENERAL  


FACTS ABOUT COPD


Airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, generally progressive.

6th leading cause of death in world

4th leading cause of death in U.S.A.

3rd most common reason for hospitalization.

Rare under 40, Common in elderly.


SYMPTOMS

SSx. Exertional dyspnea, cough,

85% have chronic bronchitis (productive cough > 3 mos of the yr for > 2 yrs)

Blue bloaters. Chronic sputum production.

15% have Emphysema (RECENTLY POP STAR MICHAELJACKSON DIED WITH THIS)

Pink puffers. Barrel chested, wt loss due to poor nutrition.


Pathology

Smoking accounts for 80 – 90% risk of developing COPD.

Only 15% of smokers clinically get COPD.

Caused by bronchial irritation and swelling of airway.

Chronic Compensated COPD
Dx

Best tool is pulmonary function testing (table 69-1)

ABG Hypoxia is main sign, increases with severity of disease.

CXR

R sided heart failure (Cor Pulmonal)

BNP (helps more to dif from CHF)

ECG or recent Echo with EF

Usually due to increased airway obstruction 2°

Increased bronchospasm

CV deterioration

Continued smoking, really, Smoking.

Noncompliance with medication.

Noxious / Environmental exposures


Clinical Apperance:

Dyspnea

Orthopnea

Pursed lip exhalation

Accessory muscles of resperation used.

Diaphoresis

Pt speaks in shorter increments as obstruction progresses


DX

Assesment of O2 status is Key.

Pluse ox ok but does not give PCO2 or pH.

ABG is best, PaO2 <60>

FEV1 <>

CXR

ECG could reveal concurrent disease process.


TX

O2 titrate to PaO2 >60 mmHg SaO2 >90%

Bronchodilators b2 agonist (albuterol, levalbuterol)

Anticholinergics Ipatropium Bromide 0.5 mg (atrovent)

Corticosteroids Prednisone 60 – 180 mg per/day for 7 to 14 days.

(methylprednisolone 60 -125 mg IV given in asthma exacerbations)

What next?

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