COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Facts:
  Chronic Bronchitis
  Emphysema
• Diagnosis:
  Diaphragm flattening (increased WOB)
• Treatment:
  Ipratropium bromide (anticholinergic)
  Beta 2 agonists
  Long term supplemental oxygen therapy
  Smoking cessation
  
  Corticosteroids and NIPPV (acute exacerbation)
• Complications:
  1) Secondary pneumothorax (acute worsening of COPD symptoms)
  
  2) Alveolar hypoventilation (in setting of COPD exacerbation) causes carbon dioxide retention and resultant lethargy, seizures, coma, and even death
• Notes:
  All COPD patients with PaO2 < 55mmHg or SaO2 < 88"2 are candidates for long term home oxygen treatment
• See Also:
  Obstructive Lung Disease
  Restrictive Lung Disease
• Associated With:
  Multifocal atrial tachycardia