How do you differentiate between asthma and CORD?

The ability to recover between attacks is a crucial factor in differentiating between asthma and Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (CORD). In asthma, patients often experience episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, but they typically have significant recovery between these episodes. This means that during times when they are not experiencing an asthma attack, they may return to baseline respiratory function without symptoms.

In contrast, patients with CORD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, generally have a more persistent reduction in lung function and are less likely to return to baseline during periods of relative calm. Their symptoms tend to be chronic and progressive, and while they may have acute exacerbations, they do not experience the same level of recovery between attacks as asthma patients.

The consideration of age of onset, peak flow measurements, and family history can provide additional context but the key differentiating factor is the assessment of the patient’s ability to recover between attacks, as it reflects the underlying nature of the respiratory condition more directly.