Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. It is an umbrella term that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD causes significant morbidity and mortality, and is the fifth leading cause of death in the UK. Risk factors include smoking, environmental pollution, and occupational exposures. Symptoms include breathlessness, chronic cough, wheeze, and sputum production. Diagnosis involves assessing medical history, pulmonary function tests, imaging, and sputum analysis. Management includes pharmacological treatments like bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as non-pharmacological options like smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and psychosocial intervention.

1. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a progressive airflow obstruction, not fully reversible
and does not change markedly over several months (NICE, 2010). It is an umbrella term used to describe overlapping condi-
tions of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a major global health problem
that causes significant morbidity and mortality. It is the UK’s fifth leading cause of
death. Prevalence varies according to country, age and sex.
*Chronic bronchitis is characterized by the presence of productive cough for
at least three months in two consecutive years.
*Emphysema is defined as an abnormal distension of the air spaces beyond
the terminal bronchioles, with destruction of the walls of alveoli.
RISK FACTORS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
 Smoking (active and passive)
 Environmental pollution
 Occupational dust and chemicals ex-
posure
 Recurrent and childhood respiratory
infections
 Genetic inheritance (alpha-1-
antitrypsin deficiency)
 Age : incidence increases with age
 Gender: more prevalent in men
 Low socioeconomic status
 Decreased activity
 Obesity
 Chronic inflammation of airways
 Fibrous scar tissue or fibrosis
 Increased number of mucous glands
 Mucous hypersecretion
 Ciliary dysfunction
 Air flow obstruction or limitation
 Destruction and permanent distension of
air sacs
 Hyperinflation or air trapping
 Destruction of pulmonary tissue
 Loss of elastic recoil
 Impaired gaseous exchange
 Hypoxia and Hypercapnia
 If advanced:
 Respiratory failure
 Right heart failure
 Anxiety and stress
 Depression
 Social isolation
 Embarrassment
 Modifications in lifestyle
 Inability to work
 Altered role in family
 Irritability and impatience
 Panic, frustration and anger
 Low self-esteem
 Sense of worthlessness
Non- pharmacological :
 Multidisciplinary team approach
 Smoking cessation
 Avoidance of polluted
environment
 Pulmonary rehabilitation
 Patient education
 Exercise
 Breathing control techniques
 Psychosocial intervention
 Nutritional advice and intervention
Pharmacological:
 Bronchodilators & Corticosteroids
 Oxygen therapy
 Mucolytics and expectorants
 Antibiotics
 Immunisation
 Surgical treatment (Kumar & Clark, 2012)
1. Currie.G.P. (2007). ABC of COPD. Blackwell Publishing—2. Kumar, P and Clark, M. (2012) Clinical Medicine.(8th ed). London. Saunders Elseviers.—3. NICE. (2010). “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. [Online]. Available from: www.nice.org.uk. [Accessed: 28/04/13]-
4.http://www.medimoon.com
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
 Breathlessness
 Chronic cough
 Wheeze
 Sputum production
 Cyanosis
 Fatigue
DIAGNOSIS
 Full medical history
 Pulmonary function tests
 Pulse oximetry
 Arterial blood gas analysis
 Chest imaging
 Sputum analysis
AHMAD MUSHTAQ (M00355933) YOLLANDE– K. NKUELO (M00344714)
Fig. 2. Barrel shaped chest can develop in
advanced COPD (Currie, 2007)Fig.1. www.medimoon.com