Asthma, COPD, and Overlap

Dr. Jonathan A. Bernstein is professor of clinical medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunology/Allergy Section at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and director of clinical research for the Division of Immunology. He is the director of clinical research at the University of Cincinnati and is a Drug Information Association (DIA)-certified investigator. He has extensive experience conducting multicenter and physician-initiated clinical therapeutic trials related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, urticaria, hereditary, and angiotensin-converting enzymeinduced angioedema. He has published over 165 peer-reviewed articles and clinical reviews, and 35 chapters on a variety of relevant topics in allergy and clinical immunology. Dr. Bernstein is actively involved in the University of Cincinnati Allergy Fellowship Training Program and in the education of residents and medical students. He is a member of the board of directors for the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Asthma and on the editorial board of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Allergy Asthma Proceedings, and Journal of Angioedema. Dr. Bernstein has been voted “best doctor” in Cincinnati from 1999 to 2013 and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as being in the top 1% of doctors in his specialty. He is a member of the University of Cincinnati Alpha Omega Alpha chapter. Dr. Michael E. Wechsler is Director of the Asthma Program in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine and Professor of Medicine for National Jewish Health in Denver, CO. He also serves as Faculty Member for the Program in Placebo Studies at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, and is on the Steering Committee of the (National Institutes of Health) NIH's Asthma Clinical Research Network. He earned an AB in Biochemical Sciences magna cum laude from Harvard College, his medical degree from McGill University in Montreal, and Masters in Medical Science from Harvard Medical School.

Definitions and Pathophysiology. Definitions of Asthma and COPD and overlap syndrome. Epidemiology. Genetics. Histopathology. Physiology. Mechanisms. Environmental Exposures and Triggers. Tobacco-active and passive smoke exposure. Indoor and outdoor pollutants and allergens. The role of infection in asthma and COPD (microbiomes). Exercise. Diagnosis. Differential Diagnosis: Diseases mimicking or complicating asthma and COPD. Phenotypes and Endotypes. Occupational lung diseases. Special populations. History and Physical Examination. Diagnostic Testing. Treatment. Environmental control. Medications. Biologics and emerging therapies. Invasive treatments. Oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene and pulmonary rehabilitation. Smoking cessation. Unmet needs and promising therapies. Management. Treatment of acute exacerbations. Approach to chronic management. Prognosis and Outcomes. Outcomes and quality