Asthma vs COPD by Aneek Gupta Asthma, COPD, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive lung disease, Chronic coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, spasms in bronchioles, Decreased airflow, increased inflammation, spasms in bronchioles, morning cough with phlegm, Bronchodilators, Airway opening medication, Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation, Oral steroids for moderate to severe cases Bronchodilators, Airway opening medication, Pulmonary rehabilitation Oxygen support for advanced stages, Hospitalization, Aneek, Aneek Gupta

1. Asthma vs COPD By Aneek Gupta
Consideration
Asthma
COPD
Introduction
Asthma is a common chronic
inflammatory disease of the airways
characterized by variable and
recurring symptoms, reversible
airflow obstruction, and
bronchospasm.
Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) is
a type of obstructive lung
disease characterized by
chronically poor airflow.
Symptoms
Decreased airflow; increased
inflammation; spasms in
Chronic coughing; wheezing;
shortness of breath; chest tightness; bronchioles; morning cough
spasms in bronchioles. Symptoms go with phlegm. Symptoms
away between episodes.
never disappear, but
progressively worsen.
Nature of cough
Dry
Diagnosis
Physical exam, medical history
including history of allergies
Typically in children
Classical
Presentation
Younger patient, recurrent episodes
of wheezing and coughing,
accompanying tight chest and
breathlessness. Symptoms quickly
respond to bronchodilators.
Triggers
Allergens, cold air, exercise
Risk Factors
Allergies, eczema, rhinitis
Asthma, smoking
Medical
Treatment
Bronchodilators, Airway opening
medication; Inhaled corticosteroids
reduce inflammation; Oral steroids
for moderate to severe cases
Bronchodilators; Airway
opening medication;
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Oxygen support for advanced
stages; Hospitalization
Lifestyle Changes
Cease smoking; avoid allergens and
air pollution
Cease smoking; avoid air
pollution
Thanks
“Productive” (yields mucus)
Spirometry, measuring of
breath CT scans Typically in
adults over 40 Current or
former smokers
Older patient, smoker or
former smoker, progressive
shortness of breath and
cough with mucus,
accompanied by decreased
physical activity. Responds to
bronchodilator, but lung
function does not return.
Environmental pollutants,
respiratory tract infections –
pneumonia, influenza