Asthma COPD overlap syndrome

• What is ACOS?


  Patient has both asthma and COPD
• What are some risk factors for developing ACOS?

  Smoking

  Occupational dusts

  Allergens

  Recurrent resp infections
• What are some signs and symptoms of ACOS?

  Cough

  Dyspnoea

  Wheeze

  Tight chest

  Frequent exacerbations
• How may a patient present with ACOS?

  History of smoking

  Persistent breathlessness worse with exercise
• What are some investigations that can be done for ACOS?

  Spirometry

  Chest radiograph

  HRCT

  Bloods
• What may spirometry show for ACOS?

  Obstructive pattern

  Dec FEV1 and FVC

  Poor reversibility with bronchodilators
• What may a chest radiograph show for ACOS?

  Hyperinflated lungs

  Flattened diaphragms

  Pulmonary hypertension (advanced)
• What can HRCT show in ACOS?

  Emphysema

  Airway disease
• What can bloods show in ACOS?

  Inc eosinophil count (asthma)
• How is ACOS managed?

  Assess severity

  ICS + LABA (first line)

  SABA (rescue therapy)

  Patient education

  Lifestyle modifications

  Follow-up