Core Module

COPD

Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmomary Disease (COPD) is a disease of the airways characterised by poorly reversible airflow limitation, and includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Strongly associated with smoking, COPD is a very common cause of hospital presentation and negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life and future life expectancy. This tutorial provides an overview of the pathophysiology of COPD, COPD assessment and chronic preventative management before finishing by briefly covering managing an acute COPD exacerbation.


Content Contributors:

Author: Dr Lisha Lobo

Content approval: Dr Richard Lee

Editor: Dr Phillip St Flour

Version History
Verison 1: November 2020

  • It requires <15 minutes preparation.

  • It can be taught in 1 hour

Preparation materials: Plain chest radiographs, inhaler examples


Teaching approach

As with all modules, familiarise yourself with the NPMT principles.

The session aims to:

  • Teach students about a common respiratory disease in both the community and hospital setting 

  • Learn about lung function and the pathophysiology of inflammation 

  • Understand how to investigate a patient presenting with respiratory distress 

  • Overview of the principles of management, with focus on understanding of the pharmacology

Tips & Tricks:

  • Have worked examples ready of lung function testing and grading COPD severity

  • Highlight the non-reversiable nature of COPD and the significant reduction in patient exercise capacity and quality of life

  • Smoking reduction and cessation is an intergral part of COPD management and can be expanded upon if time permits

  • While not covered here, encourage students to further explore managing severe acute COPD exacerbations in critical care settings in their further study

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