Do you often experience shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing? These are common symptoms of two respiratory conditions—asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder). While these disorders might seem similar, especially when it comes to their symptoms, they differ a lot in their cause, progression, and treatment.
Some people even have asthma and COPD at the same time, a condition known as asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). They tend to have more severe symptoms, frequent attacks, and serious health complications.
As the symptoms of these conditions are related to each other so closely, it is important to consult an asthma specialist in Kolkata, like Dr. Amitabha Saha, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
In this blog, we will understand the key differences between the disorders to help you seek the right care when needed.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where the airways of the lungs become inflamed and irritated. They get filled with mucus, making it harder for individuals to breathe.
Asthma can affect individuals at any age; however, it often starts during childhood before the age of 5. The condition also tends to run in families.
In most patients, asthma gets triggered by allergens, cold and flu, intense exercises, and respiratory infections.
The symptoms of asthma are intermittent or episodic, meaning they usually come and go. During an asthma attack, patients experience the following signs:
Image
There is no permanent cure for asthma. However, the symptoms can be managed with medications, and lifestyle changes, often via inhalers and steroids. The treatment approach for this condition usually focuses on identifying the triggers to prevent the onset of attacks, says Dr. Amitabha Saha, an asthma specialist in Kolkata.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a group of progressive lung diseases that is caused by damage to the airways. Patients with COPD suffer from restricted breathing due to inflammation in the airways, scarring, and damage to the air sacs in the lungs.
While COPD mostly affects older people, over 40, it can also be present in the younger population, especially those who fall under specific risk factors like smoking or long-term exposure to air pollution.
COPD flare-ups are mostly triggered by respiratory infections, cold air, environmental pollutants, allergens, stress, and excessive physical exertion.
The symptoms of COPD are constant and worsen gradually.
Unlike asthma, COPD is progressive, meaning it worsens with time. While treatment can definitely slow down the progression of the condition, the condition is not typically reversible.
Both asthma and COPD require effective monitoring to prevent sudden flare-ups and keep the disorders in check. If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, make sure to consult an asthma specialist in Kolkata who will thoroughly assess your medical history and conduct necessary tests to confirm if you have asthma, COPD, or ACO.
Timely treatment offers the following benefits:
Both asthma and COPD are serious lung conditions that require proper diagnosis and expert care. Hence, it is always advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider and stay away from the triggers that irritate your airways.