Asthma COPD overlap syndrome Flashcards
What is Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS)?
ACOS is a term used to describe patients with airway disease who have features of both asthma and COPD.
What percentage of asthma and COPD patients are thought to be affected by ACOS?
It is thought to affect between 10-30% of asthma and COPD patients.
What are the common criteria for defining ACOS?
The criteria include: age >40 years, persistent respiratory symptoms, persistent airflow obstruction, history of asthma or bronchodilator reversibility, and exposure to a risk factor.
What are examples of respiratory symptoms in ACOS?
Examples include exertional dyspnoea.
What is the pathophysiology of ACOS?
The pathophysiology involves the coexistence of inflammatory mechanisms seen in both asthma and COPD.
How does asthma differ from COPD in terms of inflammation?
Asthma is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation, while COPD involves neutrophilic inflammation.
What are the management strategies for ACOS?
Management includes smoking cessation, immunisations, inhaler technique, short-acting bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and add-on treatments with LABAs or LAMAs.
What does NICE recommend for patients with ACOS?
NICE recommends that patients with ACOS are referred for specialist input.
Why is specialist input recommended for ACOS patients?
The outcome is often worse for asthma-COPD overlap than for either condition alone.
