ASTHMA AND COPD(Part 3)

 


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are commonly mistaken for one another.

They result in similar symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing. However, the two conditions are quite different.

COPD is an umbrella term used to identify a group of progressive respiratory diseases that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

These diseases cause reduced airflow due to inflammation in the airways. The conditions may worsen over time.

Asthma can occur at any age, with a majority of diagnoses coming in childhood. Most people with COPD are at least age 45 at the time of their diagnosis.

Over 40 percentTrusted Source of people with COPD also have asthma, and the risk for having both conditions increases with age.

It’s not clear what causes asthma besides genetics, but asthma attacks are often the result of exposure to triggers, such as physical activity or smells. These triggers can make breathing problems worse.

The most common cause of COPD is smoking. In fact, smoking accounts for up to 9 out of 10 COPD-related deathsTrusted Source.

The goal of treatment for both asthma and COPD is to reduce symptoms so you can maintain an active lifestyle.

Certain conditions and environments may also trigger symptoms of asthma. The list of possible causes and triggers is extensive. Triggers include:

  • 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.

Because researchers have yet to identify the exact cause of asthma, it’s challenging to know how to prevent the inflammatory condition.

However, more information is known about preventing asthma attacks. These strategies 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 on a daily basis. 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.

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 actually 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 helping reduce symptoms, but food allergies can trigger asthma symptoms.

At the moment, there’s no cure for asthma. However, there are many effective treatments that can decrease asthma symptoms. Lifestyle changes and medications can also help improve your quality of life.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with asthma but are experiencing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, you should let your doctor know.

Once you’re diagnosed with asthma, you should see your doctor at least once a year or more frequently if you have persistent symptoms after 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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