What is the difference between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), their symptoms, and how to treat them? While some symptoms may be similar, they are two distinct diseases. Asthma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by reversible bouts of bronchoconstriction, while COPD is a progressive disease resulting from permanent lung damage resulting from long-term exposure to irritants. We will learn about the difference between them and effective treatment methods in the rest of the article.
What is asthma
Asthma is a lung disease. It is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by bouts of bronchoconstriction, which is characterized by temporary constriction of the airways resulting from airway inflammation.
What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD is an umbrella term for many lung diseases. It results from permanent lung damage resulting from exposure to irritants such as tobacco, leading to persistent difficulty breathing and a cough with phlegm.
Asthma and COPD Symptoms
Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath and a feeling of not being able to take a deep breath.
- An asthma cough may be the only symptom and often worsens in the evening.
- A whistling or crackling sound coming from the chest when exhaling.
- A tightness in the chest and a feeling of pressure.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
- Recurrent respiratory infections such as colds and flu.
- A chronic cough with phlegm.
- A whistling sound when breathing.
- Tightness in the chest area.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
What are the causes of asthma
Among the triggers of asthma are:
- Allergens and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and smoke.
- Non-allergic irritants include cigarette smoke and strong odors such as perfumes and incense.
- Infections resulting from respiratory infections, colds, and flu.
- Exercise can cause constriction of the airways.
- Cold, dry air.
- Psychological stress.
What's the difference between asthma and COPD
COPD is characterized by a chronic morning cough accompanied by thick phlegm, while asthma is characterized by bouts of wheezing, wheezing, and chest tightness, especially in the evening, and is accompanied by allergy symptoms such as allergic rhinitis or eczema.
Causes of COPD
One of the main causes of COPD is smoking, which is the common cause in 90% of COPD cases. Inhaling vapors from the use of solid fuels in poorly ventilated homes also increases the risk.
In addition, exposure to certain substances in the workplace, such as constant exposure to dust, steam, chemicals, and irritants, or a family history of COPD increases the risk.
How to Treat Asthma Attacks
Asthma attacks can be effectively controlled by developing a comprehensive treatment plan in which the treating physician prescribes effective medications tailored to each case, including bronchodilator inhalers and inhaled corticosteroids to control inflammation, while also avoiding allergens.
Ways to Relieve Asthma Attack Symptoms
Asthma symptoms can be alleviated through lifestyle changes:
- Avoiding allergens such as cigarette smoke, dust, and pollen.
- Avoiding allergens such as smoking in general and avoiding polluted air.
- Practicing breathing exercises to relax the airways.
- Getting the necessary vaccinations to prevent infections that may exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- Honey can be used with garlic to relieve airway inflammation, but it is important to consult a doctor before relying on it as a treatment.
Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Treatment for COPD includes bronchodilators to ease breathing, antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that may worsen obstruction, steroids to reduce bronchial inflammation, or oxygen therapy for those suffering from low blood oxygen to improve breathing.
Treatment can be achieved through some advanced surgical procedures, such as lung reduction surgery, which involves removing damaged parts of the lung to improve and expand airflow. In severe cases, treatment can be performed through lung transplantation to improve symptoms.
Methods for Treating Asthma with Herbs
The following natural ingredients can be used to treat bronchial asthma with herbs:
- Ginger helps constrict the airways and relax smooth muscles and can be taken with honey to relieve symptoms.
- Garlic contains antiviral and antioxidant properties that strengthen the immune system and soothe symptoms.
- Honey helps soothe the throat, relieve coughing, and has a positive effect on the lungs.
- Black seed has been shown to be effective in reducing shortness of breath and improving lung function in asthma patients.
How to Diagnose Asthma and COPD
Asthma diagnosis is based on symptoms and the patient's medical history, along with a physical examination by the physician using a stethoscope to listen to breathing sounds, especially wheezing. Diagnosis is also made through pulmonary function tests to measure airflow velocity.
COPD is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, pulmonary function tests to confirm airflow obstruction, and a clinical examination, in addition to other tests such as chest CT scans and X-rays.
Summary of the Difference Between Asthma and COPD
The main difference between the two is that asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes persistent coughing and shortness of breath, often accompanied by phlegm.
COPD, on the other hand, is a progressive disease resulting from permanent lung damage resulting from long-term exposure to irritants such as smoking. It is characterized by intermittent episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and wheezing.