What is the physiologic difference between asthma, copd, emphysema and bronchitis? how to identify each as an emt? how are they treated?

Copd: Asthma is a reversible airway disease due to allergens either extrinsic or intrinsic. COPD is classified into chronic bronchitis and emphysema depending on the pathology. These are termed irreversible airway diseases. Bronchitis is damage to the lining of bronchioles resulting in excessive secretions, whereas emphysema is loss of elasticity of alveoli resulting in bad air exchange. Careful history.

Emergency situations: As an emt in these cases you primary concern is to make sure the patient can breathe. In asthma, codp emphysema and "chronic bronchitis" a resuce inhaler like albuterol or ipratropium(copd) owuld be your first response. Steroid inhalers are not for rescue situations.

Very similar: Asthma is seen more in younger people, may have an allergic component and they tend to wheeze and be hypoxic. COPD and emphysema are interchangeable. More in older smokers, may be hypercapneic and you should be careful about giving them too much oxygen. In an emergency, follow your abcs (abacavir). There is much more, let me know if you need more info.