Abstract

A REVIEW ON ASTHMA-COPD OVERLAP SYNDROME

Amulya K Mohan*, K. Krishnakumar, L. Panayappan, Rosmin Jacob*

ABSTRACT

One of the most common reasons for admitting in emergency department of hospitals is due to the exacerbation of obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms, which is mainly chest tightness and breathlessness. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are an important but poorly characterised group. The genetic determinants of COPD and asthma overlap have not been studied. Overlap subjects reported a history of physician-diagnosed asthma before the age of 40 years. We compared clinical and radiographic features between COPD and overlap subjects. More females and African–Americans reported a history of asthma. Overlap subjects had more severe and more frequent respiratory exacerbations, less emphysema and greater airway wall thickness compared to subjects with COPD alone. Overlap subjects have more exacerbations, less emphysema and more airway disease for any degree of lung function impairment compared to COPD alone. We identified novel genetic variants associated with this syndrome. COPD and asthma overlap is an important syndrome and may require distinct clinical management.

Keywords: COPD; AHR; Overlap.