Asthma and COPD: How to Tell the Differences

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