Question

What are the pathophysiologic changes in COPD and how does it differ from asthma

Answer 1

Pathophysiology of COPD

COPD is characterised by poorly reversible obstruction of air-flow and abnormal inflammatory response in lungs.

It has 2 conditions:-

a. emphysema b. chronic bronchitis

In emphysema, there is damage to the fibres of the alveoli which reduces their elasticity. It has inability to recoil when you exhale that makes hard to breathe-out carbon dioxide out of lungs.

In chronic bronchitis, there is excessive mucus production.

These two conditions together cause chest tightness. So, less oxygen circulates throughout your body which leaves the patient fatigue and light-headed with wheezing.

Difference between COPD and Asthma

Asthma has intermittent airflow obstruction in lungs whereas COPD has progressive obstruction of air-flow in lungs.

In asthma airflow improves when bronchodilators and steroids are used whereas in COPD airflow obstruction is very less reversible.

Asthma is broad inflammatory mediator response whereas in COPD, there is cellular inflammation.

Asthma usually occurs after the age of 40 years whereas COPD occurs before the age of 40 years .

In asthma, there is elevated eosinophil count in Complete Blood Test whereas in COPD there is elevation in neutrophil count.