• Give your own definition of COPD. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is basically a group of diseases (emphysema, Bronchial asthma, and chronic bronchitis) which causes blockage of airflow and breathing problems.

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

Chronic bronchitis- aetiology- long term exposure to irritants, smoking.

  -pathophysiology- obstructive airway disease due to an increase secretion of mucus, decrease in mucus clearance and frequent bacterial respiratory infections.

Emphysema- aetiology- smoking and irritant

-pathophysiology- air sacks (alveoli) is damaged and the inner walls of the alveoli weakens and rupture creating larger than normal air spaces and this reduces the surface area of the lungs and amount of oxygen reaching the lungs.

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

Treatment includes anticholinergics, B2-agonists and slow-release theophylline, corticosteroids and oxygen therapy.

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

It is first line bronchodilator in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and it is used in treating the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and not in the treatment of bronchial asthma

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

It improves the contraction function of the diaphragm and thus increases ventilatory capacity.

• What is the role of oxygen therapy in COPD?

If a patient presents with low oxygen levels in their blood oxygen therapy can be used to restore the oxygen levels in the blood and prevention of hypoxia.