Agents for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD

Agents for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

HPI LR is a 62-year-old woman who presents to the emergency room today with complaints of increasing SOB, fever, and increasing production of purulent sputum over the past 2 days. Her PMH includes chronic bronchitis and hypothyroidism. She has been smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for the past 45 years. 

PE Her chest examination is notable for decreased breath sounds throughout, bilateral crackles at the bases, and diffuse expiratory wheezing. 

The patient is diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of COPD and started on m gen via face mask with a target oxygen saturation (Sa02) of 90%. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a respiratory condition characterized by irreversible airway obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The major symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, increased sputum production, and dyspnea. The vast majority of patients with COPD are those who are current or former heavy smokers. Other risk factors for the development of COPD include occupational exposure (dusts, chemicals) and rare genetic disorders (a -antitrypsin deficiency). The medical management of COPD includes pharmacotherapy (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics) in combination with interventions to reduce risk factors for disease progression (e.g., smoking cessation). Some patients require long-term administration of supplemental oxygen. 

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