Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)

a.     Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is defined as a disease state characterized by air flow obstruction resulting from chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Aetiology

1.      Inhalation of physical or chemical irritants

2.      By viral or bacterial infections

Clinical Manifestation

1.      Productive cough, Cyanosis, bronco spasm,

2.      Dyspnoea,  hypoxaemia, hypereapnoea

Diagnostic Studies

1.      Chest x-ray, sputum studies, ABG, ECG

Management

1.      Supportive measures

2.      Specific therapy: Medication such as

·         Bronchodilators, antimicrobials, corticosteroids, digitalis

3.      Oxygen therapy

4.      Relaxation exercises, breathing retraining, rehabilitation