Overview
This lecture covers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting its causes, types, pathophysiology, symptoms, and distinguishing features from asthma.
COPD Overview & Causes
- COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, marked by chronic air trapping and high CO₂.
- COPD involves irreversible lung damage with reduced gas exchange.
- The primary cause is smoking, with long-term exposure to respiratory irritants (e.g., chemical fumes, smoke) as secondary risks.
- Smoking for more than 30 years is a significant risk factor.
COPD vs. Asthma
- COPD differs from asthma because asthma attacks are reversible, while COPD damage is permanent and progressive.
Types & Pathophysiology of COPD
- Two main types: emphysema ("pink puffer") and chronic bronchitis ("blue bloater").
- In emphysema, alveolar damage leads to loss of lung elasticity and air trapping.
- In chronic bronchitis, inflammation and mucus production cause airway narrowing and frequent infections.
Signs and Symptoms
Emphysema ("Pink Puffer")
- Use "PINK" acronym: Pink skin/pursed lip breathing, Increased (barrel) chest, No/minimal cough, Keeps tripoding for air.
- Earliest sign is pursed lip breathing; hyperresonance is found on lung percussion.
Chronic Bronchitis ("Blue Bloater")
- Use "BLUE" acronym: Big/blue skin (cyanosis), Long-term chronic cough with sputum, Unusual lung sounds (crackles/wheezes), Edema (peripheral swelling).
- Chronic cough is the earliest indicator.
Key Terms & Definitions
- COPD — Chronic progressive lung disease with irreversible airflow limitation.
- Emphysema (Pink Puffer) — COPD type with alveolar destruction, air trapping, and pink skin.
- Chronic Bronchitis (Blue Bloater) — COPD type with chronic cough, mucus, hypoxia, and cyanosis.
- Hyperresonance — Hollow percussion note, signifying air trapping in the lungs.
- Cyanosis — Bluish skin from low oxygen levels.
- Tripoding — Leaning forward to ease breathing.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review COPD risk factors and compare with asthma.
- Memorize the PINK and BLUE acronyms for symptom recognition.
- Complete assigned readings on COPD for upcoming class.