COPD is a respiratory disease characterised by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible.
Airflow obstruction is defined as a value of < 0.7 when a ratio of the FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second) / FVC (Forced vital capacity) is measured.
A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in a patient over the age of 35 who presents with exertional breathlessness, cough, sputum production, wheeze or frequent winter bronchitis in the presence of risk factors [4].
By far the largest risk factor for COPD is smoking, although other risk factors include occupational exposure to fumes or dust, occupational exposure to tobacco smoke or alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Traditionally within the diagnosis of COPD there were considered to be 2 main subtypes, namely chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is now the preferred term for all with the disease.
An exacerbation of COPD is defined as a worsening of the patient’s symptoms beyond their normal day-to-day variability. They will often have worse breathlessness, cough, increased sputum production and change in the nature of their sputum. Additional medication will usually be needed in order to treat the exacerbation.
Learning bite
COPD is a respiratory disease characterised by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible. A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in a patient over the age of 35 who presents with exertional breathlessness, cough, sputum production, wheeze or frequent winter bronchitis in the presence of risk factors [4].