Question
Which one of the following statements is $not$ correct about chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) ?
The correct answer is
Vital capacity is increased
The question asks to identify the statement that is $not$ correct regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Let's analyze the typical lung function changes in COPD.
COPD Airflow Limitations
COPD is characterized by persistent airflow limitation. This directly affects airflow rates.
- Option 1: Respiratory flow rates are decreased - This is a hallmark of COPD due to airway obstruction. Therefore, this statement is correct.
COPD Lung Volume Changes
COPD often leads to air trapping and lung hyperinflation, altering lung volumes.
- Option 2: Total lung capacity is normal or increased - Hyperinflation in COPD commonly causes the Total Lung Capacity (TLC) to be normal or increased. This statement is correct.
- Option 3: Residual volume is increased - Increased Residual Volume (RV), the air remaining in the lungs after maximum exhalation, is typical due to air trapping. This statement is correct.
- Option 4: Vital capacity is increased - Vital Capacity (VC), the maximum amount of air exhaled after a maximal inhalation, is usually normal or decreased in COPD because air trapping limits full exhalation and lung expansion. An increase in VC is inconsistent with COPD pathophysiology. This statement is $not$ correct.
Identifying the Incorrect COPD Statement
Based on the analysis:
- Decreased respiratory flow rates are expected.
- Normal or increased total lung capacity is observed.
- Increased residual volume is characteristic.
- Increased vital capacity is $not$ a typical feature; it is usually decreased or normal.
Therefore, the statement that vital capacity is increased is incorrect.
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Important Questions from COPD
- The distance walked in 6 minutes is an indirect measure of which of the following variables of the 'BODE Index' which is used to assess the prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
- The most common cause of chronic type II respiratory failure is:
- Which of the following are categorised under obstructive lung disease ?
1. Bronchial asthma
2. Bronchiectasis
3. Bronchiolitis
4. Pulmonary sarcoidosis
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - Risk factors for development of COPD include which of the following ?
1. Tobacco smoking
2. Recurrent infection
3. Coal dust exposure
4. High socio-economic status
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - A 65-year-old male smoker has been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). On pulmonary function testing, the $FEV_1/FVC < 0.7$ and $FEV_1 = 42\%$ of predicted. The severity of airflow obstruction in this patient as per GOLD criteria is :
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