Asthma Does Not Always Have a Reversible Airflow Obstruction: A Case Study and a Family Physician Perspective

Abstract

Asthma has traditionally been seen as a treatment-responsive and reversible inflammatory process, while COPD has been characterised by fixed airway narrowing and alveolar destruction not responsive to treatment. However, in the past two decades there has been increasing evidence on the airway non-reversibility of asthma especially among the elderly patients. This condition has been referred to as overlap syndrome, as they have overlapping features of asthma and COPD. Our case study illustrates the fact that daily high inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, and co-management of such patients with our respiratory colleagues is crucial in stabilising this disease.