Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and features related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as outlined in the lecture notes.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A common, preventable, and treatable chronic lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.

Airflow limitation

A condition in COPD that is not fully reversible and tends to progress over time, often caused by airway and/or alveolar abnormalities.

Chronic Bronchitis

A phenotypic condition of COPD characterized by inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the airways.

Emphysema

A phenotypic condition of COPD involving destruction of the lung's alveolar air sacs.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism through which COPD develops, primarily due to chronic inhalation of toxic particles.

Structural Changes (Remodeling)

Damage to lung parenchyma due to an imbalance between proteases and anti-proteases, resulting in emphysema.

Airway Disease

Chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and excess mucus production that narrow small airways, associated with chronic bronchitis.

Systemic Effects

Consequences of inflammation that extend beyond the lungs, including weight loss and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Chronic Dyspnea

A key symptom of COPD, described as shortness of breath that may be initially noticed during exertion.

Chronic Productive Cough

The first symptom of COPD to appear, characterized by sputum production that is typically mucoid.

Digital Clubbing

Not typical for COPD; its presence may indicate other conditions like lung cancer or bronchiectasis.

Cor Pulmonale

Right heart failure resulting from advanced COPD, indicated by symptoms such as peripheral edema and jugular venous distension.

Chest X-ray features in COPD

Hypothetical signs include hyperinflation, decreased lung markings, and signs of chronic bronchitis.

HRCT (High-Resolution Computed Tomography)

A sensitive imaging method used in COPD to classify and localize emphysema.

Centrilobular Emphysema

The most common type of emphysema associated with smoking, showing small areas of low attenuation in the upper lobes.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

A genetic condition that can lead to Panlobular Emphysema, affecting the entire acinus.