title: Differential diagnosis of chronic airflow obstruction.
abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a syndrome including illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Although these diseases share a common obstructive component, their optimal treatment and prognosis differ. This article examines the salient features of the history, physical exam, pulmonary function tests, and radiological evaluation which may allow the clinician to differentiate the various diseases that make up COPD; thus allowing the clinician to better target the multiple therapeutic modalities available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, USA.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Flaherty
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kazerooni
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Martinez
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests