DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AND ASTHMA

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) shares many clinical and pathophysiologic features with asthma. Yet, COPD and asthma are different diseases, with their own pathogenesis, clinical picture, management and prognosis. Still there are not so few diagnostic mistakes between asthma and COPD. Methods. The possibilities of differentiating between asthma and COPD were stressed. Differences in symptoms or in therapy between asthma and COPD were shown. Conclusions. Asthma and even more COPD are too often recognized only in late, severe forms. Important clinical benefits of early diagnosis of asthma or COPD were shown. It was recommended, that spirometry should become routine diagnostic test on the level of primary health care.