COPD/Asthma
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are respiratory conditions characterized by airway inflammation, leading to breathing difficulties.
In asthma, airway swelling is often triggered by allergens like pollen or mold, or by physical exertion. COPD encompasses several lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema results from damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli), while chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the airway tubes (bronchial tubes).
Asthma symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of symptom relief and exacerbations, while COPD symptoms are persistent and typically worsen over time, despite treatment interventions.
Because both asthma and COPD lead to airway inflammation, they share common symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Wheezing
However, asthma typically manifests as intermittent attacks characterized by wheezing and chest tightness, while COPD symptoms tend to be more persistent and can include a chronic cough with phlegm production.
Individuals with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) may experience flare-ups, or exacerbations, of symptoms, which can be alleviated with bronchodilator medications that help open the airways. Additionally, ACO patients may exhibit elevated levels of neutrophils or eosinophils, types of white blood cells associated with inflammation, in their saliva.
Asthma symptoms manifest in episodic attacks, which may vary in frequency and severity over time.
There are two main types of asthma medications:
Quick-relief medications: These swiftly alleviate symptoms during asthma attacks by relaxing the airway muscles, allowing for increased airflow into the lungs.
- Short-acting beta-agonists: These medications swiftly relax the muscles encircling the airways.
- Anticholinergics: These medications relax the airways and diminish mucus production in the lungs.
Long-term control medications: These are taken regularly to manage and prevent asthma symptoms.
- Corticosteroids: These medications reduce lung inflammation and are administered via inhalers or orally. They may be combined with other medications.
- Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists: These medications help relax airway muscles for improved breathing and are used alongside other asthma treatments.
- Other anti-inflammatory drugs like cromolyn prevent airway inflammation.
- Leukotriene modifiers: These pills or liquids prevent the process that leads to airway swelling.
- Immunomodulators, also known as biologics, act directly on the immune system.
- Theophylline: This medication helps widen the airways.
- Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets may be beneficial for asthma triggered by allergies.