Give your own definition of COPD.

COPD (Chronis Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is different combinations and degrees of bronchial asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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

Chronic bronchitis is a non-specific airway obstructive disease which is characterised by an increase in mucus secretions, a decrease in mucocilliary clearance, regular bronchial airway infections, structural changes in the bronchial walls as well as a chronic cough due to thich mucus.

Emphysema is the irreversible dilation of the bronchi and alveoli because of a loss of elasticity that is due to structural damage.  The damage is irreversible.  The air is trapped inside the lungs so you have difficult exasperation and there in a decrease in capillary blood vessels that impedes gaseous exchange.  

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

• Drug therapy by means of bronchodilators, and antibiotics if there is an infection.
• Light-moderate exercise to improve poor lung capacity.
• Oxygen therapy the help with hypoxia.
• Prevention of progression by stopping to smoke.

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

Ipratropium is an anti-cholinergic, its MOA is the inhibition of M3 receptors, this inhibits Ach from binding to the receptors which causes bronchodilation and a decrease in mucus production..

Thus ipratropium is more effective treatment of chronic bronchitis as it has positive effects in terms of bronchodilation as well as a decrease in mucus production and chronic bronchitis is characterised by an increase in mucus production.  Ipratropium thus treats both the symptoms of chronic bronchitis.  Bronchial asthma only needs the bronchodilator effects of Ipratropium.

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

The skeletal muscle effects of theophylline has an advantage in COPD as the skeletal muscle contractions causes better contraction of the diaphragm, this causes an improvement in the ventilation response, thus it decreases hypoxia and dyspnoea in COPD.

What is the role of oxygen therapy in COPD?

Oxygen therapy in COPD is to improve hypoxia.