by What are Asthma and COPD?
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both chronic lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe. However, they have important differences in terms of what causes them and how they are treated.
Causes of Asthma
Asthma is caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways. This occurs when the muscles around the airways tighten and the inner walls of the airways swell and produce extra mucus. These physical changes can completely or partially obstruct airflow, resulting in symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing.
For most people, Asthma and COPD is caused by allergies or an oversensitive immune system. Allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander or molds can trigger an asthma attack. Changes in weather, exercise and air pollution can also trigger an attack. Genetics also play a role—asthma tends to run in families.
Causes of COPD
The primary cause of COPD is exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, usually from long-term smoking. Other causes of COPD include secondhand smoke exposure, air pollution, occupational dusts and chemicals. The damage from COPD occurs slowly over many years.
When someone with COPD breathes in, the airways become partially blocked by inflammation and mucus. The air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) lose their elasticity over time, so they are unable to fully expel carbon dioxide out of the body with each breath. This leads to shortness of breath.
Symptoms of Asthma
The hallmark symptoms of an asthma attack are shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and wheezing. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and can include coughing and fatigue. Attacks are usually brought on by triggers and may worsen at night or early in the morning. Symptoms are temporary but may last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Symptoms of COPD
The main symptoms of COPD are breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath and cough, usually with mucus. Fatigue is also very common. These symptoms tend to get slowly worse over time. Unlike asthma, COPD symptoms do not usually come and go but persist over months and years as lung function gradually declines.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma
Asthma is usually diagnosed based on a patient’s symptoms and medical history. Spirometry tests that measure how much and how quickly air can be breathed out are also used. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to control symptoms and prevent attacks.
Diagnosis and Treatment of COPD
COPD is typically diagnosed through breathing tests called spirometry. Tests like chest x-rays and CT scans may also be used. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms and managing exacerbations. Inhaled bronchodilators help open the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids can reduce exacerbations. Oxygen therapy may be used for low oxygen levels. Vaccinations and pulmonary rehabilitation also help manage COPD. Lung transplant may be an option for some patients.
while asthma and COPD share some breathing symptoms, they have distinct causes and treatments. Asthma is rooted in inflammation and reversible airflow obstruction. COPD is a progressive lung disease strongly linked to smoking that involves lung damage and permanent airflow limitation over time. Factors like family history and smoking history can help medical professionals determine a diagnosis. Understanding these chronic lung diseases enables proper management.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Priya Pandey
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