Asthma/COPD

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs. When you have asthma, your airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder to breathe. Common triggers include:

• Allergies
• Exercise
• Respiratory infections
• Smoke
• Environmental irritants

Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disorder that makes it difficult to breathe due to damage in the lungs. The most common causes are smoking and prolonged exposure to harmful particles, such as dust, fumes, or air pollution.

COPD includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms often include a persistent cough, frequent mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath that worsens over time.

How are asthma and COPD different?

Asthma often starts in childhood or young adulthood. It may flare up with specific triggers but can improve with treatment.

COPD usually develops later in life, especially in people with a history of smoking or chronic exposure to lung irritants, and tends to get progressively worse over time. Asthma is a risk factor for developing COPD.

How are asthma and COPD diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or exposure to irritants.

The Care Rite, PLLC, team may also perform a lung function test called spirometry. This procedure measures the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and how rapidly you can blow air out. This test helps determine whether you have narrowed airways.

Blood tests and oxygen measurements provide essential information. You may also require a procedure, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to rule out other conditions or assess lung damage.

A precise diagnosis allows the team to create a personalized treatment plan to help you breathe easier.

How are asthma and COPD treated?

Asthma treatment often includes inhalers that reduce inflammation and open the airways, along with avoiding triggers.

For COPD, treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, easing symptoms, and improving quality of life. This may involve:

• Inhalers
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Oxygen therapy
• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking

If you have frequent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing that interferes with daily activities, it’s essential to find out why. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Call Care Rite, PLLC, to arrange an asthma/COPD evaluation or use the online form to schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation. Walk-ins are also welcome.