COPD Algorithm
What are some examples of worsening symptoms?
Coughing more than usual
More breathless
Needing reliever medication more often
More tired/lethargic
Having difficulty with usual activities
Short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) also used in the treatment of asthma.
What is Salbutamol (Ventolin, Asmol or airomir) and terbutaline (Bricanyl Turbuhaler)?
quitting smoking
What can cause an exacerbation of COPD?
Respiratory infection, air pollution, or other triggers of inflammation
What are the 2 main clinical features of infection?
Fever
Change in colour/volume of phlegm
This class of drug is taken 1 to 2 times per day and is typically used in combination with an Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS).
What is LABA?
This vaccination can prevent pneumonia, and is recommended with patients with COPD and a long history of exacerbations.
pneumococcal vaccine
Name three potential risks of lung transplants
Rejection of new lung
Blood Clots
Blockage of airways
Severe pulmonary edema
How long should oral prednisolone be taken for?
5 days
This medication is an Oral Corticosteroid and is used for short flare-ups of COPD.
What is Prenisone/Prednisolone?
This type of therapy is recommended for patients with severe COPD and chronic hypoxemia to improve survival.
What is oxygen therapy?
How can lung volume reduction surgery help treat COPD?
Removal of small portions of damaged lung tissue from upper lung creates extra space in lung cavity so healthy tissue can expand and diaphragm can work more efficiently.
if not on ____ and ____ SpO2, patient should be sent to the hospital
Home oxygen therapy
less than 92%
In severe cases of COPD, this drug is ingested as a tablet and is a xanthine.
What is theophylline?
Program that combines education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling
What is Pulmonary rehabilitation?
What is a bullectomy?
Removal of bullae(large air spaces) that form in the lungs when the walls of alveoli are destroyed