COPD Study Notes

COPD Study Notes

Causes

• Main cause: Long-term exposure to lung irritants, such as:
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Air pollution
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Secondhand smoke
• Other risk factors:
  • Age: COPD is more common in people over 40
  • Genetics: Family history of COPD increases risk
  • Occupational exposures (e.g., mining, construction)

Treatment Options

• Medications:
  • Bronchodilators (e.g., inhalers) to relieve symptoms
  • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
  • Combination inhalers for multiple symptoms
• Lifestyle changes:
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid exposure to pollutants
  • Exercise regularly
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
• Oxygen therapy for severe cases
• Surgery (e.g., lung transplant) in extreme cases

Diagnosis

• Spirometry test to measure lung function
• Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) to rule out other conditions
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test to measure oxygen levels
• Physical examination and medical history

Symptoms

• Breathlessness (dyspnea)
• Wheezing
• Coughing (often with mucus production)
• Fatigue
• Recurring respiratory infections
• Blue-tinged lips or fingers (in severe cases)

Lung Function

• COPD causes irreversible damage to lung tissue
• Alveoli (air sacs) become damaged, reducing gas exchange
• Airflow obstruction leads to difficulty breathing
• Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common COPD components

COPD Study Notes

Causes of COPD

• Long-term exposure to lung irritants is the main cause of COPD
• Cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial chemicals, and secondhand smoke are common lung irritants
• Age is a significant risk factor, with COPD being more common in people over 40
• A family history of COPD increases an individual's risk
• Occupational exposures, such as mining or construction, can also contribute to COPD development

Treatment Options

• Bronchodilators, such as inhalers, are used to relieve symptoms
• Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation
• Combination inhalers are used to treat multiple symptoms
• Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to pollutants are essential lifestyle changes
• Regular exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are also beneficial
• Oxygen therapy is used in severe cases
• Surgery, such as a lung transplant, may be necessary in extreme cases

Diagnosis of COPD

• Spirometry tests measure lung function
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, are used to rule out other conditions
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests measure oxygen levels
• Physical examination and medical history are also important for diagnosis

Symptoms of COPD

• Breathlessness (dyspnea) is a common symptom
• Wheezing and coughing, often with mucus production, are also symptoms
• Fatigue is a common experience for people with COPD
• Recurring respiratory infections are frequent
• Blue-tinged lips or fingers may occur in severe cases

Lung Function in COPD

• COPD causes irreversible damage to lung tissue
• Alveoli (air sacs) become damaged, reducing gas exchange
• Airflow obstruction leads to difficulty breathing
• Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common components of COPD