Asthma is characterized by eosinophilic and mononuclear cell infiltration, mucous
metaplasia, airway remodeling, reversible airflow obstruction, and airway
hyperresponsiveness. COPD is typified by nonreversible or incompletely reversible airway
obstruction, often accompanied by mucous metaplasia and alveolar destruction. There is
considerable overlap in pathogenesis and clinical features between the conditions.
However, asthma and COPD may be distinguished by their respective cytokine profiles …