Science Investigation Memorisation

What is COPD

COPD is an umbrella term for lung diseases which causes restricted airflow and breathing problems.

Differing causes of COPD in developing countries.

COPD is often caused by exposure to biomass fuels used indoors for cooking in developing countries. This leads to a higher indoor pollution level, causing COPD in developing countries.

In developed countries COPD is caused by tobacco smoking, most often.

Describe Emphysema

A chronic lung condition.

Caused by walls of the alveoli in the walls being damaged and leads to a lack of working alveoli.

Common causes of Emphysema

Cigarette Smoking

Chemical Fumes

Vapor Fumes

Dusts

Symptoms of Emphysema

Shortness of breath

Wheezing, whistling or squeaking sounds during exhalation.

Coughing

Chest tightness

Feelings of tiredness

Weight loss and ankle swelling

Pathophysiological Features of Emphysema

Permanent damage to alveoli

Permanent damage and expansion to bronchi, where walls are often destroyed.

Gas exchange decreased

Alveoli reduced surface area due to loss of elasticity, which is replaced by fibrous tissue, which often breaks down.

Once elasticity is lost, lungs are constantly inflated, then expiration processes require voluntary effort.

Emphysema Prevention

Quit Smoking

Physical Activity

Use PPE if you are commonly exposed to irritants.

Treatment of Emphysema.

Corticosteroids

Bronchodilators

Anti-inflammatory medications.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Lung Transplants

Describe Chronic Bronchitis

It is the inflammation of airways. This inflammation causes too much mucus being produced, commonly causing a blockage.

Causes of Chronic Bronchitis

Cigarette Smoking

Dust

Air pollution

Toxic Gases

Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

Persistent Coughs

Shortness of Breath

Fast Heart Rate

Fatigue

Coughing up Mucus

Chest Discomfort

Physiological Characteristics of Chronic Bronchitis

Overproduction of mucus

Inflammatory mediators stimulate the release of mucin to protect airways against harmful irritants.

Inflammatory process causes airway to contract due to the airway walls thickening. Excess mucus will line the airways and cause blockages.

Increased mucus also alters surface tension, increasing a likelihood of expiratory collapse.

Chronic Bronchitis Prevention

Quit Smoking

Avoid Irritants or wear PPE gear when unavoidable.

Manage other breathing conditions well.

Chronic Bronchitis Treatments

Stopping Smoking

Mucus Clearing Medications

Inhaled Steroids

Bronchodilators

Oxygen Therapy

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Lung Transplants

Describe Chronic Asthma Overlap (ACOS)

Occurs when someone has asthma and one of the COPD diseases.

Common Causes Of ACOS

Exposure to allergens

Overexertion of respiratory system

Causes of COPD

Symptoms Of ACOS

Difficulty Breathing

Wheezing

Frequent Coughing

Fatigue

Chest Tightness

Shortness of Breath

Excess Phlegm

Pathophysiology of ACOS

No clear pathophysiology, instead relies upon the form of COPD that is paired. This is due to COPD’s pathogenesis to be due to the abnormal inflammatory response to the inhalation of poisonous or irritating stimuli.

Asthma pathophysiology includes:
Chronic airway inflammation causing bronchoconstriction

Excessive Mucus Production

Exposure to tobacco smoke causes neutrophilic (COPD) and eosinophilic (Asthma) inflammation types.

Blockages are common

ACOS Prevention

Stopping smoking

Limiting exposure to irritants

Treat known chronic airway inflammation early and well.

Treatments for ACOS

Inhaled corticosteroid medications

Long acting bronchodilators

Other treatments suggested for patients diagnosed COPD.