Asthma is a very common health condition presently. In Nigeria, there are around 13 million people with clinical asthma. However, this is not the only lung condition. Have you heard of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)? Asthma and COPD share symptoms such coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. This overlap in symptoms can occasionally cause diagnostic confusion, particularly in elderly adults or people with a history of smoking. As a result, this article will focus on distinguishing between asthma and COPD.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disorder marked by airway inflammation and narrowing, making it difficult to breathe. When the airways swell and narrow, it is difficult for air to move into the lungs, similar to trying to squeeze through a crowd. This might result in wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. People with asthma frequently use inhalers or other medications to keep their airways open and minimize inflammation.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that causes difficulty breathing. However, this condition occurs when the airways and air sacs in the lungs are damaged, typically as a result of smoking or inhaling toxic substances such as pollution. This injury makes it difficult to get enough air in and out of the lungs. People with COPD frequently experience a cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
Asthma vs COPD, What Are Their Differences?
Causes
- Asthma: It is triggered by things like allergens, irritants, or exercise, which lead to inflammation in the airways.
- COPD: It is caused by long-term exposure to irritants, especially smoking, which damage the lungs over time.
Symptoms
- Asthma: Wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, which can occur at any time but are most common at night or early in the morning.
- COPD: A chronic cough with phlegm, gradually worsening shortness of breath, and trouble doing activities.
Progression
- Asthma: Its symptoms fluctuate. There are periods when you can breathe normally in between flare-ups. It is more reversible.
- COPD: It is a condition that progresses. It simply gets worse over time. It causes persistent airway damage, making breathing increasingly difficult.
Age
- Asthma: It can occur at any age, but it most usually begins in childhood. However, it can occur in adulthood.
- COPD: It is most commonly diagnosed in persons over the age of 40, particularly those who have smoked or are constantly exposed to lung irritants such as pollution.
Cure
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma or COPD. However, asthma symptoms can often be relieved with medicine, particularly bronchodilators like inhalers, which assist open the airways. Even with medicine, COPD exhibits very small improvement in airflow.
Conclusion
These differences play an important role in determining whether you have asthma or COPD so that you can receive the right treatment. If you’re having trouble breathing or have other lung problems such as wheezing, coughing, feeling like you can’t catch your breath, or chest tightness, you should consult a doctor. Only a doctor can determine what’s going on and provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
