Asthma and COPD are terms that are commonly used interchangeably. However, they differ in cause, symptoms, and even treatment options. The intent of this content piece is to lay out a clear chart for the two conditions to help understand subtle similarities and differences between asthma and COPD.
What Is Asthma?
A condition characterised by the production of excessive mucus and swelling of the airways due to chronic inflammation of the airways is known as asthma. It is commonly observed that those struggling with asthma experience recurrent episodes of tightness in the chest along with wheezing, making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma is caused by specific factors like allergens including dust, pollen, or pet dander, excessive cold air, exercise, stress, smoke, or ongoing respiratory infections. It is considered a reversible respiratory issue that can be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications.
What Is COPD?
COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is characterised by prolonged damage to the lungs, making it irreversible to treat. It includes inflammation of the bronchi along with emphysema or damage to the air sacs. The common symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, excessive tiredness, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
There is no direct treatment for COPD as it damages the lungs beyond repair. However, the condition can be managed via bronchodilators and oxygen therapy.
Key Differences Between Asthma and COPD
While both conditions have some similarities, their causes, progression of diseases, and responses to treatment are different. Here’s a table to understand the key differences between Asthma and COPD.
| Category | Asthma | COPD |
| Onset of disease | Occurs in childhood or adolescence | Occurs after 40-45 years of age usually |
| Progression of disease | Variable, can improve with proper care | Worsens with time |
| Symptoms of diseases | Reversible and treatable with treatment plans | Irreversible but can be managed |
| Type of inflammation | Allergic | Non allergic |
| Primary cause | Different factors cause asthma | Smoking is the prime culprit |
Similarities Between Asthma and COPD
Both Asthma and COPD refer to chronic respiratory illnesses characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing breathing difficulties. These include symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. While COPD is irreversible, both Asthma and COPD can be treated and managed with similar classes of medications which help open the airways and reduce inflammation.
In addition to this, respiratory infections, air pollution, and exposure to smoke or environmental irritants worsen the conditions of both Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Symptoms of Asthma vs. COPD
Certain symptoms are common in both respiratory conditions. Here’s a list of symptoms that are commonly observed in Asthma and COPD.
Symptoms of Asthma include:
- Excessive wheezing during exhalation of air
- Tightness and pain in chest
- Excessive coughing which usually worsens at night
- Prolonged shortness of breath
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Excessive cough with mucus or phlegm discharge
- Excessive wheezing during exhalation of air
- Tightness in the chest
- Excessive shortness of breath making it difficult to indulge in physical activities
- Recurrence of respiratory infections
- Persistent and progressive worsening of the above symptoms with time
Diagnostic Tests for Asthma and COPD
Being similar in symptoms both the conditions can be diagnosed with a combination of medical history, physical examination, and lung function tests, but there are key differences in diagnosing each condition.
Diagnosis of Asthma and COPD includes:
- The initial diagnosis of asthma and COPD involves obtaining a detailed medical history by the doctor. The doctor notes all the symptoms and patterns of recurrence of the symptoms. They also try to understand if there is any family or personal history of asthma, allergies, or eczema. In addition to it, doctors also try to identify allergens or changes in weather which may have triggered asthma or COPD.
- Spirometry is a commonly used pulmonary function test used by doctors to measure the expiratory volume and vital capacity of the lungs of the patient. It also helps in identifying possible airflow obstruction. The post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.70 confirms airflow limitation, signifying COPD.
- If doctors suspect asthma even after normal results of spirometry, they use a bronchoprovocation test. Here, methacholine or an exercise challenge is used to obtain a better idea of pulmonary functioning.
- Chest X-rays or CT (Computed Tomography) is used to identify signs of emphysema or hyperinflation for COPD.
- For young or non-smoking individuals, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Testing is used to detect genetic causes of COPD.
- To measure inflammation in the airways and track variability in airway narrowing throughout the day, FeNO Test (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) monitoring is used.
Causes of Asthma vs. COPD
Asthma usually develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as:
- Family history of asthma or specific allergies
- Air pollution or exposure to chemicals and fumes
- Allergens such as pollen, moulds, or pet dander
- Sudden changes in the weather or the presence of cold air for a long time
- Presence of respiratory symptoms during childhood
On the other hand, COPD develops due to long-term exposure to lung irritants, making the condition irreversible. Factors include:
- The majority of cases of COPD are due to excessive smoking of cigarettes
- Exposure to occupational chemicals or fumes in farms and factories
- Passive exposure to smoke
- Burning of biomass fumes
- Deficiency of Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a genetic factor causing COPD
Read Also: Is Asthma a Communicable Disease?
Treatments for Asthma and COPD
To treat asthma, medications which help in the dilation of bronchioles and help in reducing airway inflammation are used. Doctors also recommend avoiding specific triggers such as allergens or other triggers which may cause an asthma attack. Exercise training, nutritional advice, and breathing techniques are also used to improve quality of life. For patients with chronic hypoxemia in advanced stages, oxygen therapy is used.
While there is no direct treatment regimen available for COPD currently, cessation of smoking is the most essential and effective step to relieve the symptoms of COPD. Along with it, the symptoms can be managed with inhalers and tablets, pulmonary rehabilitation or exercises, and surgical methods.
Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS)
While understanding Asthma and COPD, it is crucial to know about asthma-COPD overlap Syndrome. It refers to a diagnostic label used when patients have persistent airflow limitation with overlapping symptoms and characteristics of both Asthma and COPD. Such symptoms include prolonged airflow limitation, hyperresponsiveness of airways, and more frequent exacerbations.
Lifestyle Tips for Management
Several lifestyle modification tips are recommended by healthcare providers to manage asthma and COPD. These include:
- It is recommended to avoid triggers and irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes, etc.
- It is recommended to use air purifiers to reduce attacks by allergens and pollutants.
- It is heavily advised to quit smoking for smokers as smoking worsens lung damage and reduces the effectiveness of medications.
- It is also advised to follow gentle exercises to improve the capacity and functioning of the lungs.
- It is recommended to opt for a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables to support immune health.
- It is also advised to drink an adequate quantity of water to reduce the thickening of mucus, helping in its expulsion.
Read Also: Asthma Diet Guide | Foods to Eat & Avoid for Better Breathing
When to See a Doctor
Routine checkups and follow-ups for individuals already diagnosed with Asthma and COPD are required to keep track of medications, monitor lung function, and discuss lifestyle changes.
For individuals experiencing different breathing symptoms, as listed in the former section of this guide, it is required to schedule an appointment with a doctor immediately.
FAQs
No. While both conditions have some similarities, their causes, progression of diseases, and responses to treatment are different. Asthma is characterised by reversible inflammation of the airways, usually due to allergens. On the other hand, COPD refers to permanent damage to the lungs.
No. Asthma does not turn into COPD itself. However, prolonged and uncontrolled asthma can cause permanent damage to the lungs that may give an illusion of COPD.
As COPD is characterised by permanent damage to the lungs while being irreversible, it is more dangerous than asthma.
No. The primary reason for COPD is prolonged smoking. But other factors such as air pollution, passive smoking, and exposure to occupational chemicals and fumes are also responsible for causing COPD.
There are several risk factors that can cause asthma and COPD. These include air pollution, prolonged smoking, family history of such conditions, exposure to allergens, and obesity.