Rapid Reference to COPD

Introduction and background: Terminology Definition and epidemiology Definition Aetiology Antitrypsin deficiency Epidemiology Pathology and pathophysiology. Pathology, Cellular mechanisms, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis. Differentiation of COPD from asthma. History. Clinical signs. Investigations. Spirometry; Types of spirometer. Making the measurement. Interpreting the results of spirometry. Reversibility testing. Assessing the severity of COPD using spirometry. Training in Spirometry. Radiology. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas tensions. Sleep studies. Electro- and echocardiography. Haematology. Sputum culture. Prevention. Smoking cessation. Familial a-1 AT deficiency. Occupation. Treatment. Guidelines. Assessing the outcome of interventions. Smoking cessation. Drug therapy in stable disease. Bronchodilators. Short-acting beta agonists, Long-acting beta agonists, Anti-cholinergics, Combination therapy, Methylxanthines, Corticosteroids. Oral steroids, Inhaled steroids, Delivery systems. Large-volume spacers, Nebulisers, Exacerbations. Treatment of an exacerbation at home, Management of an exacerbation in hospital, Investigations, Drug therapy, Home care, Assisted ventilation, Palliative care. Other treatment modalities, Vaccination. Pulmonary rehabilitation. Oxygen. Surgery. Lung volume reduction surgery, Lung transplantation, Psychological aspects. COPD and travel. Air travel. FAQs. Future developments. References. Appendix 1 - Drugs. Appendix 2 - Useful addresses and websites. Professional societies. Patient support organisations and charities. Other sources of information. Training organisations. Smoking cessation. Pharmaceutical and medical gas companies and equipment manufacturers. Index.