COPD

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.

Signs and Symptoms

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Lack of energy
• Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
• Swelling in ankles, feet or legs

Investigations

• CBC to look for polycythemia
• Differential count, CRP, ESR
• Chest X-ray
• ECG
• C/S
• Arterial blood gas to decide about LTOT

Management

• General measures include Cessation of smoking
• Suction Oxygen inhalation (24%) by venturi mask Stat/SOS
• Tab Augmentin (Amoxicillin+ Clavulanic acid) 625mg 1 tab PO x TD
• Inf Mofest/Xefecta (moxifloxacin) 400mg IV x OD 'OR'Tab- Mofest/ Xefecta 400mg 1 tab PO x OD. I
• If not improving change antibiotic based on sputum culture result, where known.
• Atem ipratropium Br) nebulization or 2-4 puffs TDs
• Clenil (Beclomethasone) nebulization (2cc + 5cc N/S) P/N BD or TDS
• Tab Deltacortel (prednisone) 5mg, 2 tab PO X QID for 5 days.
• If the patient cannot tolerate oral therapy, then go for
• Inj-Hyzonate (hydrocortisone) 250 mg IV x stat 100mg IV x TDS
• Inj Lasix (Furosemide) 20 mg IV x stat if there is pulmonary edema
• Physiotherapy in selected cases.
• Arrange prophylactic influenza vaccine.