Distinguishing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from asthma.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common chronic respiratory diseases in the UK. Good management of both diseases results in better symptom control and improved quality of life for the patient, but will rely on all members of the primary healthcare team sharing the aims of management as well as helping to implement those goals. The two diseases share many clinical features and similar drugs can be used to treat them both. However there are important clinical differences which help to distinguish them from each other. The management of the two diseases differs in drug regimens and in the long-term aims of management. This article clarifies the important features that distinguish asthma from COPD and which allow patients to receive the best specific management.
Crockett
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