Name of Blog: Blog #3.2 Danielle Kleynhans (34943366)

Answer the following:
Give your own definition of COPD.
• A chronic bronchiole inflammatory disease that’s origin is hereditary or due to emphysema and which symptoms cannot be cured but rather controlled. It is identified by permanent change in bronchial physiology and impaired airflow.

Briefly describe the proposed aetiology and pathophysiology of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Chronic bronchitis 
Non-specific obstructive airway disease, characterized by:
• increase in Mucus secretion
• decreased mucosal clearance
• Repeatedly occurring bacterial respiratory infections
• Physical changes in bronchial wall structure 
• Chronic cough due to sticky mucus

Emphysema: 
develops due to smoking and irritants
• Irreversible dilation of respiratory bronchioles and alveoli due to structural damages that have occurred over time.
• Air is trapped in lungs - difficult exhalation

Which types of therapy are included in the treatment of a COPD patient?
Anticholinergic drugs: Ipratropium
Corticosteroids: Beclometasone
Methylxanthine: Theophylline 
Long acting B2 agonist: Salmetorol
Other drugs: Raflumikast

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

Bronchial asthma is a inflammatory disease and would there require an corticosteroid or methylxanthine drug which has an anti- inflammatory process.

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

It improves diaphragmatic contractility of the respiratory muscles which could aid in the breathing of COPD patients 

What is the role of oxygen therapy 
 if you have low levels of oxygen in your blood (hypoxia), it is used to prevent right-sided heart failure.  Oxygen may be given in a hospital if you have sudden increased shortness of breath (COPD exacerbation) for immediate relief.