RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Precise diagnosis of airflow obstruction - does it matter for treatment? An international questionnaire survey and its implications JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 1081 OP 1082 DO 10.1183/09031936.93.03091081 VO 3 IS 9 A1 P Vermeire YR 1990 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/3/9/1081.abstract AB As emphasised by the recent international questionnaire survey, the absence of an agreed terminology in chronic non-specific lung diseases leads to much confusion and undoubtedly impairs communication between physicians. In each patient within the scope of CNSLD, the presence and combination of a number of basic features should be identified. The term bronchial asthma should be used when a number of features are present which are sufficiently characteristic to differentiate it from other forms of permanent airway obstruction. In non-asthmatic obstructive disease the term 'COLD' (or COPD), followed by some qualifying labels, seems preferable. Use of the term 'chronic bronchitis' should be restricted to refer as 'chronic mucus hypersecretion' or be abandoned.