First-line therapies for Asthma, Asthma-COPD Overlap and COPD


The diagnosis of COPD, asthma, and ACO initially requires an evaluation of exposure to respiratory risk factors, identification of the type and pattern of respiratory symptoms, and spirometry with a bronchodilator test. If required, specific tests, such as blood analysis with eosinophil counts and IgE levels, bronchoprovocation test, and sensitivity tests for pneumoallergens, can be used. A summary of the differential diagnosis and first-line therapies is depicted.


ACO = asthma-COPD overlap; ICS = inhaled corticosteroids; LABA = long-acting β2-agonist; LAMA = long-acting muscarinic antagonist.


#Diagnosis #Management #ACOPD #Asthma #Overlap #FirstLine #Differences #Algorithm #Treatment