Asthma vs. COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are commonly mistaken for one another.
They lead to similar symptoms, together with wheezing, coughing, and bother breathing. However, the 2 conditions are quite different.
COPD is an umbrella term accustomed to determine a bunch of progressive metastasis diseases that embrace chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
These diseases cause reduced flow of air because of inflammation within the airways. The conditions could worsen over time.
Asthma vs. COPD:
Asthma will occur at any age, with a majority of diagnoses returning in childhood. the general public with COPD is a minimum of age forty-five at the time of their diagnosis.
Over forty percent trusted supply of individuals with COPD also have an asthma attack, and therefore the risk for having each condition will increase with age.
It’s not clear what causes asthma besides genetics, however asthma attacks are usually the results of exposure to triggers, cherish physical activity, or smells. These triggers can create respiration issues worse.
The commonest explanation for COPD is smoking. Smoking accounts for up to nine out of ten COPD-related death Trusted Source.
The goal of treatment for both asthma and COPD is to scale back symptoms therefore you’ll maintain an energetic lifestyle.
Triggers
- Illness. Respiratory illnesses such as viruses, pneumonia, and the flu can trigger asthma attacks.
- Exercise. Increased movement may make breathing more difficult.
- Irritants in the air. People with asthma may be sensitive to irritants, such as chemical fumes, strong odors, and smoke.
- Allergens. Animal dander, dust mites, and pollen are just a few examples of allergens that can trigger symptoms.
Extreme weather conditions. Conditions such as very high humidity or low temperatures may trigger asthma. - Emotions. Shouting, laughing, and crying may trigger an attack.
Prevention
Because researchers have nonetheless to spot the precise explanation for respiratory illness, it’s difficult to understand a way to stop the inflammatory condition.
However, a lot of data is thought about preventing asthma attacks. These methods include:
- Avoiding triggers. Steer clear of chemicals, smells, or products that have caused breathing problems in the past.
- Reducing exposure to allergens. If you’ve identified allergens, such as dust or mold, that trigger an asthma attack, avoid them as best you can.
- Getting allergy shots. Allergen immunotherapy is a type of treatment that may help alter your immune system. With routine shots, your body may become less sensitive to any triggers you encounter.
- Taking preventive medication. Your doctor may prescribe medication for you to take daily. This medication may be used in addition to the one you use in case of an emergency.
Your doctor can help you put an asthma action plan in place so that you know which treatments to use and when.
Management
Asthma vs. COPD. In addition to using maintenance medications, you can take steps each day to help make yourself healthier and reduce your risk for asthma attacks. These include:
- Eating a healthier diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help improve your overall health.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Asthma tends to be worse in people with overweight and obesity. Losing weight is healthy for your heart, your joints, and your lungs.
- Quitting smoking. Irritants such as cigarette smoke can trigger asthma and increase your risk for COPD.
- Exercising regularly. Activity can trigger an asthma attack, but regular exercise may help reduce the risk of breathing problems.
- Managing stress. Stress can be a trigger for asthma symptoms. Stress can also make stopping an asthma attack more difficult.
Nutrient-rich foods are vital to help reduce symptoms, but food allergies can trigger asthma symptoms.
When to see a doctor
Asthma vs. COPD. At the moment, there’s no cure for a respiratory disorder. However, several effective treatments will decrease asthma symptoms. lifestyle changes and medications may also facilitate improve your quality of life.
If you’ve not been diagnosed with asthma however are experiencing symptoms cherish wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, you must let your doctor know. you’ll connect with a doc in your space victimization the Healthline Find Care tool.
Once you’re diagnosed with asthma, you should see your doctor a minimum of once a year or additional oftentimes if you have persistent symptoms when using treatments.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- feel weak
- can’t perform daily activities
- have a wheeze or cough that won’t go away
It’s important to educate yourself about your condition and its symptoms. The more you know, the more proactive you can be in improving your lung function and how you feel.
Talk with your doctor about:
- your type of asthma
- what triggers your symptoms
- what daily treatments are best for you
- your treatment plan for an asthma attack
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