Differentiating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from asthma.
OBJECTIVE
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are chronic diseases that are increasing worldwide in incidence, prevalence, and burden. The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with the information necessary to make a differential diagnosis and to understand the different treatment approaches to these two diseases.


METHODS
Peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and evidence-based Internet sources.


CONCLUSIONS
NPs who are familiar with the pathophysiology that differentiates COPD from asthma can make an appropriate diagnosis and initiate effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, which may lead to a reduced incidence of exacerbations.


CONCLUSIONS
A misdiagnosis of COPD or asthma leads to inadequate management of patients and to escalating healthcare costs. An early and accurate diagnosis can help to ensure optimal and cost-effective management of patient care.
Kuebler
Kim K
KK
Department of Medicine, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA. kkkuebler@aol.com
Buchsel
Patricia C
PC
Balkstra
Cynthia R
CR
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015984:Causality; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D010808:Physical Examination; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013147:Spirometry; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D013806:Theophylline