Definition
What does COPD stand for AND mean?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A chronic disease of the lungs in which they become inflamed and cause airflow to be obstructed.
The tubes of the respiratory system become partially blocked due to swelling or mucus and the alveoli of the lungs become less flexible and can cave-in which leads to difficulty breathing, especially with exhalation and emptying the lungs
True or False: A sign of COPD is swelling of the joints.
FALSE
What is a common cause of COPD that can help doctors determine a diagnosis of COPD?
Cigarette smoking
What is the first thing to do to begin treatment of COPD?
STOP SMOKING
What are the two conditions of COPD?
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
List 3 signs or symptoms of COPD
•Persistent cough with production of sputum
•Wheezing
•Shortness of breath
•Chest tightness
•Cyanosis
•Trouble with deep breathing
•Frequent respiratory infections
•Confusion
•Body weakness
•Lack of energy
•Trouble eating meals due to shortness of breath
•Unintended weight loss
•Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
•Exacerbations
True or False: COPD is often misdignosed
TRUE
What does bronchodilator medication do?
Relax muscles of the airway and help to relieve coughing and make breathing easier
What is the difference between chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes of the respiratory tract.
Emphysema is a condition in which the lining of the alveoli of the lungs is damaged which leads to the formation of air pockets in the lungs that trap air and cause the lungs to slowly increase in size causing it to be more difficult to breathe
What are exacerbations?
Periods of worsened symptoms of COPD that last for a few days
What are pulmonary function tests, give example of one.
They determine if the lungs are able to deliver enough oxygen to the blood and to measure how much a patient can inhale and exhale.
Spirometry
What are three things someone with COPD can do for themselves to treat their disease?
control breathing
clearing airways
exercising regularly
eating healthy
avoiding smoke and air pollution
visiting doctor regularly