What's the difference between copd and asthma. could copd be mistaken for asthma. non smoker and non drinker but asthma not settled still after 3months since being diagnosed?

Asthma/COPD: Asthma is an inflammatory condtion of the bronchial tubes with wheezing and cough. Causes are multiple: allergic,intrinsic, viral, chemical, idiopathic. COPD refers to chronic damage of the the bronchial tubes with scarring and subsequent diffuculty breathing: multiple causes: usually smoking, inhalation of chemicals or organic dusts, recurrent bronchial infections.

Do you smoke?: In asthma, young age, allergy history, reversible obstruction , excess airway edema, & sputum inflammatory cells mainly eosinophils, XR nml, preserved lung capacity. In COPD, older age, smoking history, progressive obstruction, excess airway mucus, sputum inflammatory cells mainly neutrophils, macrophages (esp. w infection), XR abn, reduced lung capacity. There can be overlap, esp. if you smoke.

Different illnesses: COPD (chronic pulmonary disease) is a disease where there is airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Airflow limitation on pulmonary function test may show COPD not reversible. Asthma shows reversibility of airflow obstruction following bronchodilator therapy. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder with wheezing on physical exam.