1. Give your own definition of COPD.

A group of diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma that causes a blockage in the airways as well as breathing problems

2. Briefly describe the proposed aetiology and pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis- a non- specific obstructive airway disease that causes an increase in mucus secretion and decrease in mucous clearance, it also has frequent bacterial respiratory infections, structural changes in bronchial wall and has a chronic cough due to the sticky mucus

Emphysema- develops by smoking and irritants, causes irreversible dilation of the respiratory bronchioles and arterioles due to structural damage, air is trapped in the lungs- difficult exhalation and causes a decrease in capillary blood vessels and thus causing poor gaseous exchange  

3. Which types of therapy are included in the treatment of a COPD patient?

• If caused by smoking - Smoking cessation
• If caused by bacterial infection -Immunization against influenza and broad-spectrum AB with infection – ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin
• Airway obstruction- Bronchodilators
• Secretions- dilute mucus
• Hypoxia- oxygen inhalation
• Poor lung capacity- regular light to moderate exercise    

4. Why is ipratropium more effective in the treatment of chronic bronchitis than in the treatment of bronchial asthma?

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug thus it blocks the release of Ach and reduces mucus production, chronic bronchitis is characterized by increase in mucus secretions whereas bronchial asthma is not thus ipratropium is better

5. In which way do the skeletal muscle effects of theophylline have advantages in the treatment of COPD?

Theophylline improves function of contraction of the diaphragm and thus increases ventricular capacity reducing hypoxia and dyspnoea and COPD  

6. What is the role of oxygen therapy in COPD?

Prevent Hypoxia, improve air flow and gaseous exchange