Table 1.

Markers of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) [11] and GOLD (Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease) documents [12].

Asthma	COPD
Clinical presentation (for suspicion)
Symptoms: Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness Cough	Symptoms: Dyspnea Cough Sputum production Wheezing Chest tightness Weight loss
Distribution of symptoms: Generally more than one Occur variably over time Vary in intensity Often worse at night or on waking Often triggered by exercise, laughter, allergens, cold air Often appear or worsen with viral infections	Distribution of symptoms: Chronic and progressive May vary from day-to-day May precede the development of airflow limitation by many years
Complementary tests (for confirmation)
Documented excessive variability in lung function with documented expiratory airflow limitation, with any of the following: Positive bronchodilator (BD) reversibility test Excessive variability in twice-daily PEF over 2 weeks Significant increase in lung function after 4 weeks of anti-inflammatory treatment Positive exercise challenge test Positive bronchial challenge test Excessive variation in lung function between visits	Spirometry is required to make the diagnosis in this clinical context; the presence of a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70 confirms the presence of persistent airflow limitation and thus of COPD in patients with appropriate symptoms and significant exposures to noxious stimuli.