1. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd)
Diane Gould November 201
HCA Clinical Skills Course

2. Learning outcomes Describe the symptoms of Asthma and COPD
Explain how to work out a peak flow value
Demonstrate how to take a peak flow reading correctly
Demonstrate how to use a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) and Spacer device

3. COPD
ASTHMA
Smoker or ex-smoker
Nearly all
Possibly
Symptoms under the age of 35
Rare
Often
Chronic productive cough
Common
Uncommon
Breathlessness
Persistent and Progressive
Variable
Night time waking with breathlessness and/or wheeze
Significant diurnal or day to day variability of
Symptoms

4. The lungs

5. Asthma triggers Exercise Pollen House dust mite Fur/feathers Pollution
Smoking
Emotions
Moulds
Weather
Cold and Viral Infections
Hormonal Changes
Foods

6. COPD
Most cases are caused by Smoking

7. Lets have a Go How to work out a predicted peak flow
How to take a peak flow correctly

8. Lets learn about inhalers
Blue inhaler – Reliever
Brown inhaler – Preventer
Spacers

9. Inhaler technique
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10. Further information
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