COPD vs. Allergies: Overlapping Symptoms and Key Differences

Shared Symptoms

• Wheezing, cough, dyspnea, chest tightness
• Rhinitis symptoms (sneezing, rhinorrhea, watery eyes) can co-occur

Distinguishing Features

Feature	COPD	Allergies
Onset	Chronic, progressive	Episodic, trigger-related
Age	Usually >40	Any age
Etiology	Smoking, pollutants	Immune hypersensitivity
Reversibility	Partially reversible	Fully reversible
Spirometry	Obstructive pattern (FEV1/FVC <0.7)	Normal or reversible obstruction

Action

Spirometry and allergy testing clarify diagnosis; treatment differs (bronchodilators/ICS vs. antihistamines/intranasal steroids/avoidance).