Asthma and COPD: How to Tell the Differences
November is National COPD Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness about this widespread respiratory disease. Given that COPD affects over 15 million diagnosed adults and may be more that are undiagnosed, it’s important to understand the differences between Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and how to distinguish between these diseases.Asthma and COPD have several similarities, but as you learn more about COPD and asthma, the difference becomes more apparent. The table below provides an overview of asthma vs. COPD.
Asthma
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma is usually considered as a separate respiratory disease from COPD. The two have similar symptoms. It causes lung inflammation that makes it hard to breathe
CAUSES
sthma is possibly caused by a combination of environmental factors, allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mold), respiratory infections, cold air, smoke, and some medications
SYMPTOMS
coughing, tightness in neck or throat, rattling in the chest, difficulty walking or talking, and panic.
DIAGNOSIS
Physical exam and medical history
TREATMENT
quick-relief medications, allergy medications, long-term asthma control medications, and bronchial thermoplasty
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
know your triggers, use a peak flow meter, stay active, and calm down
vs.
COPD
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis
CAUSES
The known cause of COPD is smoking. Smoking and smoke can irritate the lungs and lung damage occurs easily, not just in long-term smokers, but also in infants and children who have never smoked
SYMPTOMS
Progressively worsening morning cough with phlegm, spasms in lung bronchioles, smoking, asthma, decreasing airflow, and smoking
DIAGNOSIS
CT scans, spirometry, chest x-ray, alpha-1 testing, etc.
TREATMENT
medications such as bronchodilators, lung therapies, and surgeries
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
stop smoking, adapt your work environment, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight
Asthma and COPD are similar and they’re serious health conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment. LifeWorx can work with you or a loved one in managing this challenging disease and assist at home to help make a chronic condition easier to manage. Our elder care team can provide help in these areas:
- Light housework
- Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments to pick up prescriptions
- Encouragement and participation in physician-approved exercise programs
- Friendly, compassionate companionship
- Planning and preparation of nutritious, tasty meals
To help your senior loved one remain safe and healthy at home, contact LifeWorx today to learn more about elder care in the surrounding areas.
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