Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are both prevalent respiratory diseases that have similar characteristics. However, it is vital to distinguish between asthma and COPD since the management strategies, as well as coping mechanisms, for the two conditions differ. One needs to identify the epidemiological as well as the clinical distinctions between them to administer the correct medication. Here is what you need to know about COPD and asthma.

What is COPD?

• COPD is a group of disorders that make breathing difficult.
• It is a lung disease caused due to a chronic interference with the airflow within your lungs. It also leads to breathing difficulties.
• In emphysema, a type of COPD, the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, thus inhibiting the intake of oxygen.
• It causes inflammation of the air sacs that leads to difficulties in breathing.
• The cause of this condition is smoking, and it is fully reversible.
• Some common forms of COPD include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What are the common symptoms of COPD?

• Recurrent coughing and shortness of breath.
• The constant need to clear your throat.
• Progressive exercise tolerance.

What is the treatment of COPD?

• Use combined bronchodilators
• Vaccinations help to decrease the risk of lower respiratory tract infections
• Chain smokers need to alter their lifestyle. Doctors recommend that patients with COPD need to quit smoking.
• Oxygen therapy
• Spirometer measurements help to determine the extent of this lung disease.

What is asthma?

• It is a respiratory condition caused by inflammation of your lungs. It causes your airways to become narrow and sensitive, resulting in breathing difficulties. The inflammation’s cause is an allergic reaction to a variety of stimuli.
• The airways become more reactive, causing tightening of the muscles and increased production of mucus.
• The symptoms of asthma such as swelling, mucus, and tightening are irreversible. These signs come and go throughout a patient’s life.

What are the common causes of asthma?

• Having an allergic reaction to items within the environment like dust, scents, cold, etc.
• Upper respiratory diseases and infections like common cold and flu
• Extreme physical exertion
• Smoking
• Strong scent of products like perfume, flowers, and cleaning products
• Cold, dusty, and dry air
• Sudden weather changes
• Excessive crying as well as laughter
• Anxiety
• Pollutants in the air

What are the symptoms of asthma?

• A heavy feeling in the lungs and chest
• A frequent rattle in the chest
• Frequent coughing and sneezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Producing a wheezing sound while breathing
• Experiencing a tightness in the neck or throat while breathing
• Frequent panic attacks
• Difficulty with walking or talking

How can chronic asthma be managed?

• Medications as prescribed by a medical practitioner including corticosteroids, short-acting beta-agonists, and anticholinergic medicines for aggravations
• Long-acting anticholinergic medications as a long-term treatment option
• Corticosteroids and other combinations of drugs
• Allergy shots and immunotherapy
• Intravenous corticosteroids
• Intubation
• Mechanical ventilation
• Oxygen treatment

What are the factors that doctors look at to diagnose COPD or asthma?

• Smoking habits of the patient
• Age as asthma is common among children, while COPD is common in individuals above the age of 40.
• Coughing, especially in the morning that produces heavy phlegm and gets progressively worse is a likely indication of COPD. Alternatively, recurring attacks accompanied by allergies or eczema is a likely indication of asthma.
• Asthma is inherited. Hence, it occurs within families.
• Asthma attacks are triggered by something within the environment or by physical activity.
• COPD worsens over time while asthma attacks occur suddenly.
• Asthma patients have a better response to quick acting rescue inhalers than COPD patients.