Table 2 Comparison algorithms used to capture COPD and asthma cases among the beneficiaries of the Regional Health Service. Lombardy, Italy

 ≥40 years of age

  And at least one of the following criteria ^a :

 ≥1 prescr/year of one of the following drugs:

 SABA, SAMA, LAMA, LABA, LABA/ICS, ICS

<40 years of age

And at least one of the following criteria ^a :

≥1 prescr/year of one of the following drugs:

SABA, LABA, LABA/ICS, ICS, chromones, anticholinergics, theophylline

≥1 prescr/year of anti-leukotrienes

and ≥1 prescr/year of any other drug for chronic respiratory diseases

≥1 prescr/year of oral steroids

and ≥1 prescr/year of any other drug for chronic respiratory diseases

 ≥40 years of age

  And at least one of the following criteria ^a :

 ≥2 prescr/year of one of the following drugs:

 SABA, SAMA, LAMA, LABA, LABA/ICS, ICS

<40 years of age

And at least one of the following criteria ^a :

≥2 prescr/year of one of the following drugs:

SABA, LABA, LABA/ICS, ICS, chromones, anticholinergics, theophylline

≥2 prescr/year of anti-leukotrienes

and ≥2 prescr/year of any other drug for chronic respiratory diseases

≥2 prescr/year of oral steroids and ≥2 prescr/year of any other drug for chronic respiratory diseases