SPECIAL SELECTED TOPICS- RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISORDERS-SSTRSDO-QAA 007
1. What is the difference in clinical presentation between patients with emphysema and those with chronic bronchitis?
Patients with emphysema are typically thin, dyspneic, and
maintain near-normal oxygenation until late disease, giving rise to the term
"pink puffers." They have severe breathlessness, hyperinflation, and
minimal sputum production.
Patients with chronic bronchitis are often overweight with
chronic productive cough and abundant sputum. Cyanosis develops early because
of hypoxemia, leading to the term "blue bloaters." Pulmonary
hypertension and right-sided heart failure occur earlier in chronic bronchitis.
Recurrent respiratory infections are more common in chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema primarily involves alveolar destruction, whereas
chronic bronchitis mainly affects the bronchi. Many COPD patients show
overlapping clinical features. Both conditions progressively impair respiratory
function.
2. List
the most frequent causes of death in patients with COPD.
Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death in patients
with COPD. Acute infective exacerbations commonly precipitate respiratory
decompensation. Pulmonary hypertension may progress to cor pulmonale and
right-sided heart failure. Severe pneumonia frequently complicates advanced
COPD.
Cardiac arrhythmias contribute significantly to mortality.
Lung cancer occurs more commonly in smokers with COPD. Pulmonary embolism is
another important cause of sudden deterioration. Multiorgan failure may develop
during severe exacerbations requiring intensive care.
Chronic hypoxemia increases cardiovascular complications.
Early diagnosis, smoking cessation, and optimal treatment reduce mortality.
DR.C.GANESAN M.D
PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE
No comments:
Post a Comment