Breathe easier: Asthma and COPD basics
Breathing is something most of us take for granted—until it becomes difficult. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two common lung conditions that can make everyday breathing a challenge. While they may have similar symptoms, they are different in many ways. Here's what you need to know about each condition, how to manage them, and when it’s time to seek help.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, making it harder to move air in and out of your lungs. It can develop at any age and often starts in childhood, although adults can develop asthma for the first time later in life.
During an asthma attack, triggers like allergens, cold air, exercise, or strong emotions can cause your airways to swell, fill with mucus, and tighten—making it hard to breathe. After an asthma flare-up, you probably will feel tired. You're also at greater risk of having another flare-up for several days after an episode. It’s especially important to avoid your asthma triggers at that time.
Key facts about asthma:
- It can be a lifelong condition
- There is no cure, but it can be managed
- Asthma flare-ups can be serious and even life-threatening
Asthma causes or triggers may include:
- Allergens (dust mites, pollen, mold, pets)
- Respiratory infections
- Cold air
- Smoke and strong smells
- Stress or strong emotions
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases—mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema—that causes airflow blockage and breathing problems. COPD is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, causing damage to the lungs.
The good news is COPD is often treatable and preventable, mainly by not smoking. Taking care of your COPD can also help lower your chances of getting other serious health problems, like heart disease and lung cancer.
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, a daily cough that brings up mucus, and wheezing. People living with COPD are likely to have times when their symptoms become worse than usual. These exacerbations can last for several days to weeks. Intensified symptoms can be triggered by smells, cold air, air pollution, or infections.
Key facts about COPD:
- COPD is chronic; you live with it every day
- It’s usually caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants, especially cigarette smoke
- Symptoms often don’t appear until there is significant lung damage
- Like asthma, there’s no cure, but treatment can help manage it
Main causes of COPD:
- The #1 cause is smoking
- Long-term exposure to workplace dust, chemicals, and fumes
- Secondhand smoke
- Genetic conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Who’s at risk?
- People over 40 years old
- Smokers or former smokers
- People with asthma
- Those exposed to indoor air pollutants, like burning wood or coal
Asthma COPD Overlap (ACOS)
Some people experience symptoms of both asthma and COPD—a condition called Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS). These individuals may have more frequent symptoms and more severe flare-ups. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma or COPD and your symptoms are getting worse, talk to your doctor about the possibility of ACOS.
COPD usually gets worse over time, while asthma symptoms can come and go. Asthma may get better with medicine or by staying away from things that trigger it. Even though there’s no cure for asthma or COPD, your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and adjust your treatment to help you breathe better.
Common symptoms of ACOS:
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent shortness of breath
- Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
- Ongoing cough with lots of mucus
- Lack of energy or feeling very tired
Prevention tips for asthma and COPD
While you can't always prevent asthma or COPD, you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect your lungs:
- Don’t smoke, and if you do, get help to quit
- Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollutants
- Get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia
- Use protective gear at work if you’re exposed to chemicals or dust
- Manage allergies and avoid known asthma triggers
Treatment options
There’s no cure for asthma or COPD, but both can be managed with the right plan. Your doctor can help you find the right combination of medications and lifestyle changes to keep your symptoms under control.
Asthma treatment options may include:
- Inhalers (rescue and maintenance)
- Allergy treatments
- Avoidance of triggers
- Peak flow meters to monitor breathing
COPD treatment options may include:
- Bronchodilators and inhaled steroids
- Oxygen therapy (for advanced cases)
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs
- Lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and quitting smoking
ACOS treatment includes:
- A combination of asthma and COPD treatments tailored to your needs
When to see a doctor for asthma or COPD
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest tightness or heaviness
- A persistent or worsening cough
- Wheezing that doesn’t go away
- Changes in mucus color or amount
- Fatigue or confusion
Seek emergency care if you have blue lips or fingers, extreme shortness of breath, or cannot speak full sentences.
Support is available
Living with asthma or COPD can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Support resources can help you manage your condition, improve your quality of life, and connect with others who understand.
Take a class. Programs like Asthma Basics or COPD Basics from the American Lung Association offer helpful education. These self-paced, online learning programs are ideal for individuals, friends, or family who want to learn more about asthma or COPD.
Talk to experts. The American Lung Association's Lung HelpLine, where you can speak with experts in lung health like registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and certified tobacco treatment specialists, is open seven days a week. You can reach them by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) and pressing 2 (TTY: 1-800-501-1068) or the 24-hour information line at 1-800-586-4872 (TTY: 711). To quit smoking, visit lung.org/stop-smoking.
Join a support group. Sharing your journey with others can help ease emotional stress and offers a chance to connect with others in a similar situation. Support groups can also offer education, advice, and community. Check out these groups:
Lean on loved ones. Family and friends can provide valuable support, especially when they understand your condition.
Inhale confidence. Exhale fear.
Whether you have asthma, COPD, or both, the key is early diagnosis and consistent management. With the right care, support, and lifestyle choices, you can breathe easier and live well.
And if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for even more support. A Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) from Sentara Medicare offers extra benefits designed to make life a little easier. These include personalized care coordination to help manage appointments and medications, as well as transportation to get you to and from medical visits.
To learn about a Sentara Medicare D-SNP, call a Licensed Plan Advisor at 1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711) or visit sentaramedicare.com/DSNP
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Worth a look
This article is meant to provide general information and support. For medical advice or a diagnosis, please talk to a healthcare professional.
Sources: lung.org, cdc.gov, nhlbi.nih.gov, mayoclinic.org