copd definition, groups and relevant management

1. COPD

2. INTRODUCTION
• COPD is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by
persistent airflow limitation, primarily caused by exposure to
harmful particles or gases, such as tobacco smoke.
• It encompasses two main conditions: chronic bronchitis and
emphysema.
• COPD is the fourth leading cause of death and affects >10 million
persons in the United States, about 250 million individuals with COPD
worldwide.

3. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
•Exposure to harmful gases, triggers an inflammatory response in
the airways, leading to tissue damage and narrowing of the air
passages.
•Chronic bronchitis a clinically defined condition that involves
inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to excessive phlegm
production and cough.
•Emphysema an anatomically defined condition that involves
destruction of the alveoli with air space enlargement, resulting in
decreased lung elasticity and airflow limitation.

4. PATHOGENESIS OF
EMPHYSEMA
α1 Antitrypsin
Deficiency

5. DIAGNOSIS
•Diagnosis typically involves pulmonary function tests, including
spirometry, to assess lung function and severity of airflow
limitation.
•Additional tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans may be
utilized to assess lung structure and rule out other conditions.
•Diagnosis is confirmed when a patient exhibits a post-
bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second
(FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio less than 0.70.

6. GOLD CRITERIA

7. TREATMENT
APPROACHES
•Pharmacological interventions include bronchodilators (beta-agonists,
anticholinergics), corticosteroids (oral/inhaled), PDE-4 inhibitors and
Azithromycin to alleviate symptoms and reduce exacerbation risk.
•Non-pharmacological interventions such as smoking cessation,
pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and vaccination against
influenza and pneumococcus are crucial components of COPD
management.
•Surgical options like LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) or lung
transplantation may be considered in severe cases.

8. SEVERITY ASSESSMENT

9. A FEW WORD ON
EXACERBATION
• Defined by worsening of the respiratory symptoms- dyspnea,
cough, weezing and character of suptum
• More then 50% of exacerbations caused due to bacterial or viral
infections
• A comprehensive assesment of change in respiratory symptoms
and worsening of dyspnea. Also fever, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, myalgia and chills.

10. INITAIL TREATMENT

11. FOLLOW UP
TREATMENT