Quick review: COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD refers to those lung diseases that block the airflow and make breathing difficult.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two very common clinical conditions of COPD subsets.
COPD is characterized by abnormal overall airway inflammation and lung structure in response to an inhaled stimulus, typically cigarette smoke, which causes irreversible airflow limitation and is usually progressive over time.
Damage to the lungs from COPD never goes back to normal, but treatment can help control symptoms and minimize further damage.
The main cause of COPD is tobacco use. However, in developing countries, COPD often occurs in women who are exposed to fumes from cooking and heating fuels such as stoves and heaters in poorly ventilated homes.
Also, occupational exposure to dust and chemicals also plays a significant role in creating this condition.
Clinical manifestations
The main symptom in this disease is cough. Other signs and symptoms of COPD include:
Shortness of breath (especially during physical activities)
– Wheezing
– the habit of clearing the throat early in the morning; Due to excess mucus in the lungs
-Chronic cough that produces white, yellow, or greenish sputum.
– Bruising of the lips or the bottom of the nails (cyanosis)
– Frequent respiratory infections
-Lack of energy
Unwanted weight loss (in advanced stages)
People with COPD are also more likely to experience very severe episodes of the disease, during which symptoms worsen and last for several days or longer.
Non-pharmacological treatment
The most important treatment measure to prevent the progression of this disease and subsequent attacks is to avoid the cause of it; For example, quitting smoking.
Drug treatment
In mild to moderate cases:
1-Spray Salbutamol
At the time of symptoms, 2 puffs
2-Salmeterol Spray
2 puffs every 12 hours
In severe cases:
1-Spray Salbutamol
At the time of symptoms, 2 puffs
2-Spray Seroflo 250 mcg
Two puffs every 12 hours
Refusal of COPD exacerbation
As with an asthma attack, sedative administration is prohibited. Unlike asthma, even in the absence of symptoms of infection, antibiotics are recommended.
Note: It is better to place the patient in a sitting position and start oxygen therapy for the patient at the rate of 8-10 liters per minute, nasally or with a mask.
Drug treatment:
1- Spray Salbutamol
8 puffs every 20 minutes
2- Spray Atrovent
8 puffs every 20 minutes
3- Amp Hydrocortisone 100 mg/ml
Slow intramuscular or intravenous
or
Amp Methylprednisolone 40 mg/ml
Slow intramuscular or intravenous
Note: In equipped centers, salbutamol or daolin can be used instead of the above sprays
used
Note: After stabilizing the patient, he should be referred to the hospital for further treatment and control.
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Compilation: Sina Rezaei Borujeni
Source: Essential Knowledge For Doctors / Author: Dr. Sepehr Rostami
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This post is written by aladmino