BONTLE LETHETSA
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BONTLE LETHETSA

Portfolio for Study Section 3.2

26 Oct 2021, 19:40 Publicly Viewable
  • Give your own definition of COPD.

COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of diseases pertaining to the lungs that lead to obstruction of airways, eventually causing difficulty in breathing.

It is a combination of:

  • Bronchial asthma. A condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow, swollen and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
  •  Chronic bronchitis. Inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
  • Emphysema. A condition that involves damage to the walls of the air sacs of the lungs.

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

Chronic bronchitis

Emphysema

Aetiology

Chronic bronchitis is mainly most due to exposure to airborne pollutants such as cigarette smoke, excessive dust in the air, or chemicals. The bronchial lining becomes inflamed and the constant exposure to such pollutants begins to cause damage in the bronchioles (the smaller airways in the lungs).

The cause of emphysema is usually prolonged exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and the airways.

For instance, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke causes emphysema, especially if inhaled.

Pathophysiology

Chronic bronchitis is due to the overproduction and hypersecretion of mucus by goblet cells.

Epithelial cells lining the airway response to toxic, infectious stimuli by releasing inflammatory mediators and for instance pro-inflammatory cytokines.

In emphysema, the inner walls of the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, causing them to eventually rupture. This creates one larger air space instead of many small ones and reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. Hence, emphysema is known as a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.

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

Treatment of COPD:

  • Patient is advised to avoid irritants such as smoke, therefore patient is advised to stop smoking.
  • Board spectrum antibiotics or influenza immunisation used in the presence of bacterial infection.
  • Bronchodilators used in combatting of obstruction of airflow.
  • Rehydration and steaming helps dilute mucus. This reduces mucus secretion.
  • Oxygen inhalation used especially in treatment of hypoxia.
  • Light-moderate exercise to improve lung capacity.
  • Surgery, lung transplant.

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

Ipratropium acts as an antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. This effect produces the inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system in the airways and hence, inhibit their function. The function of the parasympathetic system in the airway is to produce bronchial secretions and constriction and thus, inhibition of this action can lead to bronchodilation and fewer secretions.

Ipratropium is more effective in treatment of chronic bronchitis than in the treatment of bronchial asthma, for chronic bronchitis is characterised by inter alia, increased mucus secretion. Whereas in bronchial asthma, increased mucus secretion does not have the as effect as in chronic bronchitis.

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

Theophylline is a xanthine used to manage the symptoms of asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions caused by reversible airflow obstruction. It causes smooth muscle relaxation, thus inducing bronchodilation.

Bronchodilation allows for easier airflow due to expansion of the bronchial air passages. This improves breathing.

  • What is the role of oxygen therapy in COPD?

Oxygen therapy in COPD increases the amount of oxygen that flows into the lungs and bloodstream, this improves breathing.