How Asthma and COPD Affect Your Lungs

Both asthma COPD affect the lungs, but in different ways. With asthma, the airways sometimes narrow and swell and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma episodes are triggered by allergens, viral infections or other irritants and stress. The severity of attacks can vary from mild to life-threatening. COPD refers to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are usually caused by smoking. With chronic bronchitis there is a long-term cough with mucus. Emphysema causes damage to air sacs in the lungs over time, reducing the lungs' ability to take in oxygen.

The Main Symptoms

The main symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Symptoms may occur or worsen at night or after exercise. With Asthma and COPD , symptoms develop slowly and get worse over time. Typical symptoms include increased mucus, chronic cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. COPD symptoms are usually persistent and do not come and go like asthma symptoms. COPD patients often experience frequent lung infections as their lung function declines.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors can diagnose asthma COPD based on a patient's medical history, a physical exam of the chest and lungs, and lung function tests. For asthma, tests confirm if the airways are narrowed and how well they open back up with medication. COPD is typically diagnosed through a lung function test called spirometry. There is no cure for COPD, but treatments can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Medications are the primary treatment and include inhalers and bronchodilators. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can help COPD.

The Differences are Clear

In summary, asthma causes intermittent, reversible airway obstruction while COPD represents irreversible damage to airways and lungs. Asthma symptoms vary over time and can often be prevented or treated. COPD symptoms persist and progress as lung function declines.

while they both affect lung function, the root causes and management of these diseases differ significantly. Understanding the distinctions between asthma and COPD is important for proper diagnosis and improved outcomes for patients.

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             Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)