Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can coexist with asthma and can occur as a complication of chronic asthma. After the age of 65 most people with obstructive airway disease will have asthma and COPD. In this setting, COPD can be differentiated by increased airway neutrophils, abnormally increased wall thickness, and increased smooth muscle in the bronchi. However, this level of investigation is not performed due to COPD and asthma sharing similar principles of management: corticosteroids, long acting beta agonists, and smoking cessation. It closely resembles asthma in symptoms, is correlated with more exposure to cigarette smoke, an older age, less symptom reversibility after bronchodilator administration, and decreased likelihood of family history of atopy. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is a complication of chronic asthma? ANS1 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease QSN2 If you are 65 years old and have an obstructive airway disesase, you are more likely to have what other conditions? ANS2 asthma and COPD QSN3 How is COPD differentiated? ANS3 by increased airway neutrophils, abnormally increased wall thickness, and increased smooth muscle in the bronchi QSN4 Why is this not determined in a patient with COPD? ANS4 due to COPD and asthma sharing similar principles of management QSN5 What are the principles of management for asthma and COPD? ANS5 corticosteroids, long acting beta agonists, and smoking cessation