Makindo Medical Notes

Definition: Characterized by airflow limitation, primarily affecting expiration, due to narrowed or obstructed airways.

Common Types:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Progressive airflow limitation, typically due to smoking.
• Emphysema: Destruction of alveoli leading to reduced lung elasticity and hyperinflation.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic cough with sputum production for at least three months in two consecutive years.
• Asthma: Reversible airway obstruction, often triggered by allergens, with episodes of wheezing, dyspnea, and cough.
• Bronchiectasis: Permanent dilation of bronchi, typically associated with chronic infection or inflammation.

Clinical Features:

• Dyspnea: Shortness of breath, often progressive in chronic diseases like COPD and emphysema.
• Cough: Can be productive (chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis) or dry (asthma, early COPD).
• Wheezing: Most prominent in asthma but can occur in other obstructive lung diseases.
• Chest Tightness: Common in asthma attacks.

Diagnosis and Tests:

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Spirometry to measure FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and FVC (forced vital capacity), with FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% indicating obstruction.
• Bronchodilator Response Test: Assess reversibility of airway obstruction, especially in asthma.
• Chest X-ray/CT Scan: To visualize hyperinflation, bronchial thickening, and other structural changes.
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): In severe cases to assess hypoxia or hypercapnia.
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): Commonly used in asthma to monitor disease progression.