Table 2.

Key Characteristics and Medical Therapy of Obstructive Airways Diseases^{19, 22, 23}

Obstructive Airways Diseases	Clinical Characteristics	Medical Therapy
More consistent with asthma	•Onset of symptoms before the age of 20 y •Variation of symptoms over time •Worsening of symptoms during the night or early morning •Symptoms triggered exposure to allergens, dust, exercise •Documentation of variable airflow limitation •Previous doctor’s diagnosis of asthma •Family history of asthma and allergy •Normal chest radiograph	Initial therapy: 1. ICS ± LTRA 2. ICS/LABA 3. ICS/LABA + LAMA Advanced therapy: 1. Anti-IgE or 2. Anti-IL-5
More consistent with COPD	•Onset of symptoms after the age of 40 y •Persistence of symptoms despite treatment •Good and bad days, but always some degree of symptoms •Chronic cough and sputum production unrelated to triggers •Documentation of persistent airflow limitation •Previous doctor’s diagnosis of COPD •Previous exposure to noxious particles or gases such as tobacco smoke or biomass fuels •Hyperinflation on chest radiograph	Initial therapy: 1. LABA or LAMA 2. LABA/LAMA 3. LABA/LAMA + ICS Advanced therapy: 1. Chronic macrolides 2. Roflumilast

ICS = inhaled corticosteroid; LABA = long-acting β₂ agonist; LAMA = long-acting muscarinic antagonist; LTRA = leukotriene receptor antagonist.