The truth is, people experiencing difficulties breathing accompanied by a high-pitched whistling sound cannot truly tell whether they have COPD or asthma, as both conditions sound similar. However, these do have fundamental differences in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Therefore, let’s have a closer look at COPD and asthma so that you can distinguish them.

What is COPD?

Put shortly, COPD is a term used for a group of conditions, for example, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is characterized by airflow blockage and breathing issues. Chronic bronchitis is typically triggered by long-term exposure to smoke, air pollution, or extreme weather, that causes the bronchial tubes to get inflamed resulting in a cough and excessive mucus. Emphysema, on the other hand, damages the air sacs in the lungs due to exposure to cigarette smoke, gasses, etc.

Common COPD symptoms include:

• Phlegmy cough
• Respiratory infections
• Daytime fatigue
• Ankles, feet, or legs swelling
• Weight loss
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

What is Asthma?

Briefly put, asthma is a common chronic lung disease people suffer from and can range from mild to severe, i.e. life-threatening. It is characterized by inflamed and narrowed bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air in and out of the lungs. And, when pollen, mold, or dust mites, triggers asthma symptoms they become even more swollen resulting in breathing difficulties.

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing fits
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

What’s the Main Difference between COPD and Asthma?

Although these conditions sound similar, as we already said, they do differ a lot. Indeed, the main difference is that COPD, unlike asthma, can be prevented as in 90% of cases is triggered by cigarette smoking. Unfortunately, asthma cannot be prevented and even people who haven’t been in contact with cigarette smoke can develop and suffer from asthma.

Furthermore, chronic cough is yet another difference between COPD and asthma. A cough that lasts for months may be present in the case of chronic bronchitis, but this is not the case with asthma. Plus, contrary to COPD, asthma symptoms tend to get worse at night and usually go together with other allergies and eczema.

How are COPD and Asthma Diagnosed?

Since COPD and asthma symptoms can overlap, the key thing when it comes to getting diagnosed with one of them is being tested and examined by a specialist. A pulmonary specialist will closely look at your clinical history, symptoms, and perform tests to check your pulmonary functions such as a spirometry test, peak expiratory flow test, or fractional exhaled nitric oxide test.

And, what’s even more surprising, you can be diagnosed with an asthma-COPD overlap syndrome which doesn’t mean that you have both the conditions, but simply helps in determining the treatment plan.

How are COPD and Asthma Treated and Managed?

First and foremost, if you are a smoker and have COPD, the best thing you can do is quit smoking. Otherwise, slowing down the progression of lung damage is quite impossible. Then, you can take medications used to treat COPD symptoms like:

• corticosteroids
• non-steroid medications
• oral steroid
• antibiotics

In addition, if you have moderate to severe COPD you may need oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehab. And, those with severe emphysema can undergo surgery such as lung volume reduction, endoscopic lung volume reduction, lung transplant, or bullectomy.

Last but not least, asthma can be treated by taking different medicines, some during a flare-up (called rescue inhalers) and others to prevent symptoms (called maintenance medications). Another possible treatment is vaccinations against respiratory infections, like pneumonia for instance. And of course, avoiding triggers can help you greatly in reducing symptoms and the chances of experiencing an asthma attack.