What are the signs?

If you have questions on Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease, please post them here.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
2 posts
User avatar
Dr Helen Webberley
Posts: 96
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:31 am
Quote

by Dr Helen Webberley on Mon Apr 13, 2015 2:48 pm

Re: What are the signs?

Hello, that is actually a very difficult question as there is a lot of overlap!

Both cause wheezing and breathlessness, COPD usually because of smoking, whereas asthma is more like an allergic reaction. Both would be worse on exertion and triggered by exercise or inhaling irritants.

Your GP can do a spirometry test to see if there is a clearer pattern of one or the other.

Some people have both!

Dr Webberley
Dr Helen Webberley
NHS GP and Director of www.MyWebDoctor.co.uk
MBChB MRCGP MFSRH DipGUM DipIPM
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... berley.php

Locked
2 posts