COPD

Differential diagnosis

COPD may need to be differentiated from other conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, obliterative bronchiolitis, lung cancer, and diffuse panbronchiolitis. The key distinction between asthma and COPD is that in asthma, lung function should show significant improvement or return to normal with regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Airflow limitation that disappears following use of bronchodilators is incompatible with a diagnosis of COPD. Chronic bronchitis with normal airflow (NOCB) is not classified as COPD. However, those with NOCB have an increased risk of developing COPD and higher mortality.