COPD

Chronic Obstructrive Pulmonary Disease

-Umbrela to Obstructive Pulmonary problems
-Asthma
-Bronchitis
-Emphysema
-
CAUSES OF COPD
-Cigarette Smoking- Tobacco
-Genetics-AAT
-Air Pollution
-Infection
-Aging
-Asthma
-Gender- women have a lower lung capacity

Patho
-Inflammation of the airways
-mucous production
-remodeling of the airway
-limited airflow
-loss or destruction of the alveoli- dead space with air trapping-
-aveoli- gas exchange happens here.

Clinical Manifestations
-Barrel Chest
-Cyanosis, Ashen, Dusky
- Clubbed Fingers
-Crackles
-Wheezing
-Chalk up the symptoms of COPD to "Getting older"
-Dyspnea with rest or with less activity than they could previously do
-Fatigue- have to have periods of rest inbetween activities
-Need frequent rest- Sit down in Tripod Position
-Anxiety-pursed lip breathing
-O2- may require home O2 via NC. O2 flow rate should be low and is set according to
O2 Sats.

DIAGNOSTICS
-Spirometry to tell us how severe there dx is
-Listen to Lung sounds and Check O2 before treatment and evaluate both after
treatment
-ABG, chest xray, six-minute walk test, assessment tests,

TEACHING
-Smoking Cessation
-Drug Therapy- Corticosteroid, and most other drugs for Asthma
-Activity- energy conservation, Exercise is important and endurance is important.
Breathing should return to their norm within 5 minutes with rest.
Diet- high caolire, high protein. small frequent thorughout the day, drink their fluid
after the meal.
Airway clearance - Huff cough, chest physiotherapy, Device such as Acapella, Flutter,
posteral drainage
tripod position, pursed lip breathing,
Energy Saving with ADLS- sitting instead of standing, using kitchen utensil when
cooking (electric can opener, stand mixers instead of stirring), taking breaks and
spacing activity
Pulmonary Rehab- medically stable but need more teaching.
Oxygen Therapy-recent improvments in O2 Carrying options allow for more
freedom with travel, living at home, etc.

COMPLICATIONS
-Exacerbations-
-Acute Respiratory Failure- progressive disease, inappopropriate use of medicatons
often leads to axacerbation. These pts often have comorbidities.