pregnant with COPD

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Hi, I'm kinda confused with this scenario. If the pregnant (third trimester) client has COPD or let say asthma and she suddenly becomes dyspneic, are you going to increase O2 above 2 L? What's the best intervention for this pt? Thanks!

i was under, the apparently erroneous impression, that COPD was an umbrela dx. which asthma fell under......

Yeah sorry for the confusion. It was really an error. I meant to ask COPD or emphysema? But it's all clear now. Thanks!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
i was under, the apparently erroneous impression, that COPD was an umbrela dx. which asthma fell under......

Many do make this mistake and for many years it used to be all classed together. Research does show differences. COPD is generally diagnosed after someone has smoked for several years plus and begin to have problems and respiratory tests like spirometry will make the diagnosis. Where asthma in a lot of cases diagnosed in children although some can get it from occupation and spirometry in most cases will be normal.

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a long-term lung disease usually caused by smoking.

COPD includes a few lung diseases: the most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both of these diseases.

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/copd-mpoc/what-quoi/index_e.php

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe. At its worst, asthma can be fatal. For example, in 2003, asthma killed 287 Canadians 1. Asthma can't be cured, but it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme/what-quoi/index_e.php

Link on spirometry http://www.goldcopd.com/Guidelineitem.asp?l1=2&l2=1&intId=1118

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