Distinguishing Asthma from COPD: Recognizing Key Characteristics

Asthma and COPD

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma prevalence varies from state to state, but it is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. The symptoms of asthma are usually associated with some triggering factors, such as exercise, respiratory infections, allergies and exposure to air pollution or tobacco smoke.

Causes of Asthma
There is no single cause of asthma. Usually a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved. However, the exact causes are different for each person. Some of the common factors that may increase the risk of developing asthma include:

Genetics: Having a parent or sibling with asthma increases the risk. Certain genes are linked to increased asthma risk.
Allergies: Allergies to dust mites, animal dander, pollen or mold can trigger asthma symptoms.
Respiratory infections in early childhood: Viral respiratory infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus, can contribute to the development of asthma.
Tobacco smoke: Exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of asthma in children. Tobacco smoking may also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Air pollution: High levels of outdoor air pollution and traffic fumes have been associated with increased asthma risk and severity of symptoms.
Obesity: There is a strong link between obesity and asthma, especially in children. Obesity makes asthma harder to control.
Gastroesophageal reflux: GERD or acid reflux can worsen asthma symptoms in some individuals.

What is COPD?
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. The airflow from the lungs becomes blocked. This causes a narrowing of the airways and damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen exchange usually takes place. The two main conditions that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both long-term exposure to irritating gases and particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke, and genetic factors such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency play major roles in causing COPD.

Causes of COPD
Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of COPD. Not everyone who smokes will develop COPD, but smoking significantly increases the risk. The more you smoke, the greater your risk.
Long-term exposure to other lung irritants. This includes secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace.
Genetic conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a rare hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of early-onset emphysema.
History of childhood respiratory infections. Frequent lung infections with viruses or bacteria that causes significant lung damage may contribute to COPD risk.
Gender. Men are more likely to develop COPD as compared to women. However, the gender gap is narrowing with the rise in female smoking rates.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma and COPD
Both asthma and COPD are usually diagnosed based on medical history, a physical examination of the lungs and breathing tests. For asthma, some of the most common tests done are peak flow monitoring and spirometry before and after using an inhaled bronchodilator. Reversibility of airway obstruction confirms an asthma diagnosis. COPD diagnosis involves spirometry to detect airflow limitation that is not fully reversible with treatment. Chest X-rays and CT scans may also be done to rule out other lung diseases.

The primary treatment approach for both asthma and COPD is to control symptoms, treat exacerbations, improve lung function and prevent disease progression. This involves the use of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Vaccinations, smoking cessation, breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation also play important roles in management. Lung transplant may sometimes be considered for highly selected end-stage COPD cases. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage both conditions effectively and live normal lives.

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