What is the difference between COPD and airway disease?
When I consulted the pulmonologist in 2011, he diagnosed as COPD. After 8 years, I consulted another pulmonologist and he diagnosed as Airways. I want to know - what is the difference between these two?
Hi thombre, and thanks for your excellent question. I see my colleague, Lyn, has provided a good response for your concerns. I hope you had an opportunity to read her comment.
Since she did mention reactive airway disease, I thought you might gain some additional insight for that condition from this article: https://asthma.net/living/reactive-airway-disease/. It is from our sister site, asthma.net. I do hope you find the article to be helpful.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi again thombre - That's a great question. Often there is an overlap in terminology with various airway diseases and COPD and/or asthma. However, there is something called Reactive Airway Disease, which is a term that describes what's happening to the airways of a person who is having bronchospasm. This may be triggered by something the person has breathed in or by an internal reaction to something.
COPD is a term that encompasses chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
I hope that helps.
Best,
Lyn (site moderator)
