WHAT IS COPD?
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a long-term lung disease that typically includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Over time, inflammation and damage to the airways make it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Most often, COPD develops due to smoking or long-term exposure to irritants like chemical fumes or air pollution. The symptoms tend to worsen gradually.
*Persistent cough
*Frequent mucus production
*Shortness of breath
*Fatigue with activity
*Wheezing
How Asthma Differs
Asthma involves chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Symptoms can flare during certain triggers such as allergies, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections. Asthma is often diagnosed earlier in life, and lung function usually improves with proper treatment.
*Wheezing
*Chest tightness
*Shortness of breath
*Coughing, especially at night or early morning
Most people with asthma will not develop COPD, and many people with COPD don’t have asthma. However, it’s possible to have both. Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) occurs when someone has these two diseases at once. More at ACAAI.ORG
COPD Awareness Month is more than education. It is a reminder that lung health matters every month of the year. People living with COPD, asthma, or both deserve compassion, early diagnosis, and access to effective treatment. Awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages individuals experiencing symptoms to seek care sooner rather than later.
Both asthma and COPD involve inflammation in the airways. If left untreated, this inflammation can lead to permanent changes in lung structure and function. This is why recognizing symptoms early and working closely with one of our board-certified allergists is so important. GET STARTED TODAY!