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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Coggle Diagram
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Causes of Disease
Cigarette smoke
Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke
Exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace
A genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Complications of the Disease
Respiratory infections
Heart problems
Lung cancer
High blood pressure in lung arteries
Depression
Pathophysiology
COPD results from the combined processes of peripheral airway inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
This leads to airflow limitation and the destruction and loss of alveoli, terminal bronchioles and surrounding capillary vessels and tissues, which adds to airflow limitation and leads to decreased gas transfer capacity.
The extent of airflow limitation is determined by the severity of inflammation, development of fibrosis within the airway and presence of secretions or exudates.
Reduced airflow on exhalation leads to air trapping, resulting in reduced inspiratory capacity, which may cause breathlessness (also known as dyspnoea) on exertion and reduced exercise capacity.
Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxaemia) and raised blood carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) result from impaired gas transfer and can worsen as the disease inevitably progresses.
Labs and x-rays needed
Chest x-ray: can reveal emphysema and rule out other lung problems or heart failure
CT scan: can detect emphysema and lung cancer; help determine if a patient will benefit from surgery to treat COPD
Laboratory tests: can be used to determine the cause of a patient's symptoms and rule out other conditions; Lab test can be done to determine is an individual has the genetic condition that causes COPD, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Assessments needed
Lung (pulmonary) function tests: measure the amount of air inhaled and exhaled and if the lungs are delivering enough oxygen to the blood; Spirometry is when the patient blows in a large tube to determine how much oxygen the lungs can hold and how fast that oxygen can be released from the lungs; Other tests include measurement of lung volumes and diffusing capacity, six-minute walk test, and pulse oximetry.
Arterial blood gas analysis: measures the lungs ability to bring oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide
Focused respiratory assessment: Collecting subjective data about the patient’s history of smoking, collecting the patient’s and patient’s family’s history of pulmonary disease, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of pulmonary disease, such as cough and shortness of breath. Objective data is also assessed. Patients in respiratory distress may have an anxious expression, pursed lips, and/or nasal flaring. Fine crackles in the lungs may indicate COPD.
Treatments
Medications: bronchodilators and steriods
Supportive therapy: oxygen therapy
Self-care: physical exercise, quitting smoking, diaphragmatic breathing
Therapies: pulmonary rehabilitation
Surgery: lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplant, bullectomy
Medications
Bronchodilators to relieve shortness of breath
Combination bronchodilators and antiinflammatories to relieve shortness of breath and to prevent flare-ups
Antibiotics to fight infections
Supplemental oxygen (oxygen tank) to help with low oxygen and energy levels
Vaccines for flu and pneumonia to help prevent infections