Feb 26 2007
Do I have asthma and COPD?
Many people with breathing difficulties are unsure about whether they or a family member may have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A lot of people are under the impression that both are treated in the same way and, although there are similarities in some respects, they are distinct diseases and are managed differently from one another.
Spirometry (a breathing test used to measure the speed and amount one can blow out) is the method used to determine if someone has asthma compared to COPD or another lung disease.
Most often, asthma is diagnosed in childhood, but asthma can develop at any age. The insides of the bronchial breathing tubes become swollen and the muscles around the airway tighten up. For those with asthma, there could be one trigger or more that can cause the airway to react. Some examples of triggers are allergies, colds, and smoke. More than 50% of people diagnosed with asthma have allergies. By avoiding triggers, understanding the difference between a preventer and a rescue inhaler and using them appropriately, and having a written action plan, it is possible to control asthma and carry on a relatively normal life with minimal asthma symptoms. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, your asthma may not be well controlled and you might want to see your health care provider.
1. Do you use your reliever inhaler (usually blue) more than 3 times per week?
2. Do you wake up due to nighttime symptoms once or more per week?
3. Do you have daytime symptoms more than 3 days per week?
4. Do you miss work or does your child miss school?
5. Does asthma stop you from exercising?
The Lung Association’s Asthma Action Helpline can assist those with asthma and can be reached by calling 1-800-668-7682.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are considered to be the major contributing diseases to the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are different from asthma. Cigarette smoking is the main cause in 90% of cases and COPD is usually diagnosed in people 40 and older. An early symptom could be shortness of breath. Too often, people with the beginnings of COPD assume their shortness of breath may be due to other reasons. Early diagnosis is extremely important in order to take action as soon as possible. The main focus starts with quitting smoking and avoiding second hand smoke. Medicine to control shortness of breath as well as cough and sputum and keeping oneself as active as possible is important in the management of COPD. There are programs available to teach those with COPD how to manage the disease. If you answer yes to any of the following, you might want to see your health care provider.
. Are you now or have you in the past been a regular smoker or exposed to second hand smoke?
. Do you cough regularly with or without mucus?
. Do you get short of breath doing simple tasks?
. Do you get colds more often than others that last a lot longer?
The Lung Association’s BreathWorks Helpline can assist those with COPD and can be reached by calling 1-866-717-COPD (2673).
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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