Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It is defined by the history of respiratory symptoms, such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, that vary over time and in intensity, together with variable expiratory airflow limitation.

These variations are often triggered by factors such as exercise, allergen or irritant exposure, change in weather, or viral respiratory infections.

Symptoms and airflow limitation may resolve spontaneously or in response to medication, and may sometimes be absent for weeks or months at a time.

Asthma affects 1–29% of the population in different countries. In Greece the respective percentage is 8,1%

The long-term goal of asthma management from a clinical perspective is to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient, including long-term symptom control and long-term asthma risk minimization

This information is intended for general information and information of the public and in no way can replace the advice of a doctor or other competent health professional.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction.

The main environment exposures leading to COPD are tobacco smoking and the inhalation of toxic particles and gases from household and outdoor air pollution, but other environmental and host factors can also contribute.

The prevalence of disease worldwide is approximately 11.8% in men and 8.5% in women. COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide following ischemic heart disease and stroke, causing approximately 3 million deaths annually which represent approximately 4.72% of all deaths.

All individuals who smoke should be strongly encouraged and supported to quit. The main treatment goals are to reduce symptoms and future risk of exacerbations.

Pharmacotherapy can reduce COPD symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and improve health status and exercise tolerance. Data suggest beneficial effects on rates of lung function decline and mortality. There are many classes of medications commonly used to treat COPD. Each treatment regimen needs to be individualized as the relationship between severity of symptoms, airflow obstruction, and severity of exacerbations can differ between patients.