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Summary.
Asthma and chronic
obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)
are both
characterized by the
presence of airflow
obstruction. Both
diseases are not
rare in the elderly
population.
Distinguishing
between these
diseases is
difficult and may be
impossible in some
older patients. The
aim of the study was
to investigate
clinical and
functional
characteristics and
the presence of
atopic status in
elderly subjects
compared to COPD
patients. Fiftyone
patients over 60
years of age were
selected for the
study (27 patients
with late-onset
asthma, 24 patients
with COPD). Atopy
was defined by skin
prick test and serum
total IgE
concentrations which
were measured in all
patients. Pulmonary
function tests
including airflow
rates, lung volumes,
airway resistance,
diffusing capacity,
and arterial blood
gases analysis were
performed in all
patients. The rate
of skin prick test
positivity in
asthmatics was
significantly higher
than that of the
COPD patients. FEV1
was lower in COPD
patients than in
asthmatic patients.
Bronchial
reversibility in
asthmatics became
significantly higher
than in COPD
patients. While FRC
and RV were
increased in both
groups showing same
degree of pulmonary
hyperinflation,
patients with COPD
demonstrated
significantly
decreased DLCO when
compared to
asthmatic patients.
The level of both
PO2 and PCO2 in
patients with COPD
significantly
differed from
asthmatics. In
conclusion, a
history of heavy
smoking, decreased
diffusing capacity
for carbon monoxide,
the presence of more
prominent lung
hyperinflation and
chronic hypoxemia
favour the diagnosis
of COPD, whereas
atopy and
significant
bronchodilator
responsiveness
favour the diagnosis
of asthma.
Key words:
Asthma, COPD,
elderly, pulmonary
function, atopy. |
