Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease defined as overactive responsiveness of the bronchioles (airways in the lung) causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways (bronchoconstriction). It is an airflow limiting and obstructing disease.

Learn about about asthma from the American Lung Association (1). 

Common Symptoms of Asthma:

• shortness of breath with activity and/or at rest
• wheezing
• cough
• increased phlegm production & throat clearing
• chest tightness
• night time awakening with the above symptoms

Possible Asthma Triggers:

• smoking tobacco, marijuana, electronic cigarettes and vaping or second hand smoke
• certain smells, perfumes, cleaning products
• wood burning stove or fireplace
• allergies to animals
• environmental allergies
• reflux, GERD

Asthma Severity:

• intermittent
• mild persistent
• moderate persistent
• severe persistent

Treatment Goals

The goal in treating asthma is to eliminate all symptoms. Avoiding triggers and managing allergies or reflux is a great first step to help prevent symptoms. 

When preventative measures are not enough, talk with your doctor about the symptoms you are having to determine your asthma severity and the best treatment approach. When symptoms are beyond mild, daily maintenance inhalers may be prescribed in addition to rescue inhalers.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a persistent airflow limiting condition. COPD is an umbrella term which includes obstructive forms of: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive asthma. While COPD is common, it is also preventable and treatable. In COPD the lung tissue and the airways suffer unsatisfactory changes. 

Common Symptoms of COPD:

• shortness of breath with activity and/or at rest
• wheezing
• cough
• increased phlegm production & throat clearing – morning are the worst
• chest tightness
• weight gain due to physical limitations
• weight loss with advancing disease secondary to shortness of breath with meal preparation and eating
• passing out with coughing
• anxiety
• depression

COPD Exacerbations

COPD exacerbations are often precipitated by viral or bacterial infections and are characterized by a worsening cough, increase in sputum production and quality, and worsening shortness or breath and chest tightness. 

When addressed early, oftentimes COPD exacerbations can be managed with the individual remaining at home and avoiding further exposure to the various infectious diseases inside a hospital.

If you have COPD and you develop new or different lung symptoms, talk to a doctor right away to determine if your COPD treatment therapy is adequate, or if you may benefit from steroids, an antibiotic or an antiviral medication. 

Treatment Goals

The goal in treating COPD is to reduce shortness of breath to allow for the most active lifestyle possible. Treatment is also guided to decrease the frequency of COPD exacerbations while preventing hospitalizations. 

Pulmonary function testing (PFTs) are standard to gauge the severity of airflow limitation as well as to monitor the efficacy of the treatment regimen.

Reference

1. American Lung Association. (2023, November 29). Managing Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma