Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Quiz

Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

• The most common chronic lung diseases include asthma and COPD.
• Obstructive pulmonary diseases are defined as those that increase airflow resistance due to airway obstruction or narrowing.

Asthma

• A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways.
• Characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness.
• Triggers include allergens, exercise, respiratory infections, nasal and sinus problems, medications and food additives, cold, dry air, stress, hormones and menses, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and occupational exposure.

Asthma Pathophysiology

• The hallmarks of asthma are airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness.
• Two types of asthmatic responses occur: early phase and late phase.
• The early phase response is triggered by allergens, irritants, or cold air, and results in bronchoconstriction and increased mucus production.
• The late phase response is more severe and is characterized by sustained inflammation, infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils into the airways, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness.

Asthma Clinical Manifestations

• The characteristic clinical manifestations of asthma are wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and a sensation of chest tightness after exposure to a precipitating factor or trigger.

Asthma Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is based on characteristic symptoms, variable airflow obstruction, and pulmonary function tests.

Asthma Treatment

• Interprofessional approach to management, including medication therapy and lifestyle modifications.
• Medications include relievers and controllers.
• Relievers include short-acting and long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergic medications, and methylxanthines.
• Controllers include corticosteroids, antileukotrienes, and biological therapies such as anti-immunoglobulin E therapy.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• A respiratory disorder primarily caused by smoking.
• Characterized by persistent airflow limitation, usually progressive, often associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lung due to noxious particles or gases.
• Symptoms include dyspnea, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath, usually insidious in onset and progressive.
• Past definitions of COPD included chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

COPD Causes

• Tobacco smoke
• Occupational chemicals and dust
• Infections
• Heredity
• Aging

COPD Pathophysiology

• Chronic inflammation found in the airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary blood vessels.
• Often have characteristics of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Airflow limitation, air trapping, gas exchange abnormalities, mucus hypersecretion, pulmonary hypertension, and systemic abnormalities are among the various disease processes that occur in COPD.

COPD Classification

• Classified based on severity, ranging from mild to very severe.
• Classification considers symptoms, disability, and impairment of lung function.

COPD Complications

• Cor pulmonale
• Acute exacerbations of COPD
• Acute respiratory failure
• Depression and anxiety

Cor Pulmonale

• Right ventricular hypertrophy and dilation caused by pulmonary hypertension.
• A serious complication of COPD.

COPD Clinical Assessment

• History and physical exam.
• Pulmonary function tests.
• Chest imaging.
• Blood tests.