Airway disease: similarities and differences between asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis

AUTOR(ES)

Athanazio, Rodrigo

FONTE

Clinics

DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2012-11

RESUMO

Airway diseases are highly prevalent worldwide; however, the prevalence of these diseases is underestimated. Although these diseases present several common characteristics, they have different clinical outcomes. The differentiation between asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis in the early stage of disease is extremely important for the adoption of appropriate therapeutic measures. However, because of the high prevalence of these diseases and the common pathophysiological pathways, some patients with different diseases may present with similar symptoms. The objective of this review is to highlight the similarities and differences between these diseases in terms of the risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Documentos Relacionados

• Interrelationships between diagnosed asthma, asthma-like symptoms, and abnormal airway behaviour in adolescence: the Odense Schoolchild Study.
• Prevalence of asthma, atopy, and bronchial hyperreactivity in bronchiectasis: a controlled study.
• Severe obstructive disease : similarities and differences between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or bronchiectasis
• Differences in utilisation of asthma drugs between two neighbouring Swedish provinces: relation to prevalence of obstructive airway disease.
• Ventilation heterogeneity is a major determinant of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma, independent of airway inflammation