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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?

  1. 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)

    1. 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)

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