COPD

Pulmonary · ~9% of blueprint

Pathophysiology: Chronic airflow limitation from emphysema (alveolar destruction) and/or chronic bronchitis; usually smoking-related.
Signs & Symptoms: Chronic productive cough, progressive dyspnea, barrel chest, prolonged expiration, ↓ breath sounds.
Gold Standard Diagnosis: Spirometry: post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70 (non- or minimally reversible).
First-line Treatment: Smoking cessation + inhaled bronchodilators (LAMA/LABA); add ICS for frequent exacerbations; O₂ if hypoxemic.

High-Yield Pearl

Smoking cessation and long-term O₂ (when PaO₂ ≤55) are the only interventions that reduce COPD mortality.

More Pulmonary conditions