This document discusses chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It begins by defining COPD as a progressive lung disease caused by conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It then covers risk factors for COPD like smoking, occupational exposures, and genetic factors. The document outlines the pathogenesis, signs and symptoms, current diagnostic tools like lung function tests and imaging, and management strategies for COPD including medications and rehabilitation. It concludes by mentioning new molecular drug targets that may help in COPD treatment.

1. Pranavi Uppuluri 1
COPD CHRONICLES: NAVIGATING THE
JOURNEY TO BETTER RESPIRATORY
HEALTH
~ Pranavi Uppuluri

2. Here we consider
1. What is COPD
2. Risk factors of COPD
3. Pathogenesis
4. Symptoms and Signs
5. Gold Score
6. Diagnostic Tools
7. Management of COPD
8. New molecular drug targets for
COPD
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3. COPD is an umbrella term for a range of progressive lung diseases.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema can both result in COPD. A
COPD diagnosis means you may have one of these lung-damaging
diseases or symptoms of both. COPD can progress gradually,
making it harder to breathe over time.
WHAT IS COPD (CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE)?
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4. COPD is a lung condition with common
symptoms such as difficulty in
breathing, severe cough with excess
mucus, wheezing and tightness of
chest.
Affected individuals may have either
chronic bronchitis or emphysema or a
combination of both the conditions.
Nearly 15 million people are estimated
to be diagnosed with COPD in the
United States
10-15% of heavy smokers will develop
COPDSmoking causes 8 out of 10
COPD-related deaths
Long-term exposure to dusts, hot
vapors, and chemical fumes can
increase the risks of COPD.
Exposure to asbestos dust (also known
to cause a condition called asbestosis)
is a common example.
Chronic conditions of asthma are
associated with the likelihood of COPD
onset and is specially aggravated by
smoking.
In a very small percentage (1%) of
patients, an uncommon genetic
disorder alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT1)
deficiency is the cause of some cases
of COPD.
KNOW YOUR RISK!
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5. PATHOGENESIS OF COPD IS COMPLEX
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6. Wheezing Shortness of breath
Infection of lung Chest tightness
Lack of energy Unintentional weight loss
Swollen ankle and foot Cold/flu
Productive cough Blue fingers
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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7. GOLD SCORES: THE CURRENT STANDARD OF DIAGNOSIS
GOLD SCORE
AIRFLOW LIMITATION CLASSIFICATION
FOR
PATIENTS WITH FEV1/FVC ≤ 0.7
CATEGORY
1 FEV1 ≥ 80% MILD
2 50% ≤ FEV1 ≤ 80% MODERATE
3 30% ≤ FEV1 ≤ 50% SEVERE
4 FEV1 ≥ 30% VERY SEVERE
FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in one second
FVC = forced vital capacity
COPD diagnosis: FEV1/FVC < 0.7ratory
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8. COPD is a highly heterogeneous condition and simple lung function tests
may not be sufficient. Patients may have significantly different levels of
emphysema, or be in different stages of the disease, despite having similar
GOLD scores. Individual assessment of the disease stage and what it
means for one’s health, will help develop the best treatment plan.
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON GOLD
SCORES ALONE
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9. X ray CT Scan
AAT Deficiency test Arterial blood gas test
6 minute walk Lung function test
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
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10. Pranavi Uppuluri 10
Bronchodilators
02 supplements
Antibiotics
Vaccination
Rehabilitation
Anticholinergics
Leukotriene
modifiers
Expectorants Antihistamines
MANAGEMENT OF COPD

11. NEW MOLECULAR TARGET DRUGS FOR COPD MANAGEMENT
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12. Pranavi Uppuluri 12
“Breathing is Life - Act Earlier"