• Give your own definition of COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a combination of bronchial asthma which is a an inflammatory disease where the respiratory system becomes hypersensitive to stimuli like allergens, exercise, smoking and cold air - chronic bronchitis which is inflammation of the bronchi which transport oxygen to and from the alveoli - as well as emphysema which is the irreversible structural damage of the alveoli which prevents air from entering or leaving the air sac.

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

chronic bronchitis which is inflammation of the bronchi which transport oxygen to and from the alveoli

emphysema which is the irreversible structural damage of the alveoli which prevents air from entering or leaving the air sac. Causing physical damage to the alveoli

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

The cessation of smoking, diluting the mucus by rehydration and steam, increased inhalation of oxygen, use of bronchodilators such as your B2 agonist, M-antagonist as well as xanthine derivatives, the use of antibiotics such as ampicillin

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

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic antagonist which blocks the activity of M3 receptors found in the airway to stimulate the vagus nerve which will stimulate the release of Ach leading to vasoconstriction. Chronic bronchitis is characterised by inflammation and bronchial asthma is not and ipratropium does not have any anti-inflammatory effects.

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

Theophylline causes that skeletal muscles to contracts much harder and reduce hypoxia and dyspnoea in COPD patients by increasing ventilation

• What is the role of oxygen therapy in COPD?

COPD leads to hypoxia which is decreased level of oxygen intake so oxygen therapy will help so that a person has the required oxygen levels in the body