Causes
Both asthma and COPD are inflammatory lung diseases that make it difficult to breathe, but they differ in their causes and characteristics. Asthma is caused by an inflammatory reaction in the airways that leads to swelling and tightening of the muscles around the airways. This inflammation makes it difficult to breathe and causes recurring episodes or attacks of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Asthma and COPD is usually caused by environmental or genetic factors. Environmental factors that can trigger an asthma attack include pollen, dust mites, cockroach antigens, mold, and smoke and air pollution. Genetic factors also play a role in some cases.
COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is mainly caused by exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter over many years, most often from cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoke damages the airways and lungs over time, resulting in increased mucus production, destruction of lung tissue and narrowing of the airways. Other factors that can contribute to COPD risk include long-term exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes or dust. Genetic factors are also believed to play a smaller role in some cases of COPD.
Symptoms of asthma and COPD
The main symptoms of an asthma attack include breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. These symptoms may come and go and are often worse at night or early in the morning. They are typically brought on by triggers such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, pollen or changes in weather. COPD symptoms develop slowly over many years and get gradually worse. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, especially during activities, chronic cough with mucus, wheezing and chest tightness. People with COPD often feel constantly fatigued. COPD symptoms do not come and go in attacks like asthma but tend to get progressively worse over time.
Asthma and COPD are the two most common lung diseases worldwide, affecting millions of people. Both cause difficulties with breathing but have distinct causes, characteristics and management approaches despite some overlaps. Adopting lung-healthy habits and avoiding modifiable risk factors is key to controlling and preventing these conditions.
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