Asthma vs COPD: Difference and Comparison

Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma are Obstructive lung diseases. Both COPD and Asthma affect the bronchial airways called bronchioles in the respiratory tract.

COPD and Asthma both diseases can be diagnosed with the same test called pulmonary function test (PFT). Even though they have a lot of similarities, they are different in many aspects.

Key Takeaways

  1. Asthma is a reversible inflammatory airway disease characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and episodic symptoms.
  2. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive lung disease involving chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to irreversible airflow obstruction.
  3. Both conditions cause breathing difficulties but have different underlying causes and require specific management strategies.

Asthma vs COPD

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs, developed at a younger age, due to a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. Its symptoms involve a dry cough. COPD is caused by long-term damage to the lungs, from smoking. People who have it are more likely to have a cough with mucus.

Asthma vs COPD

Asthma is a hereditary disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. Bronchial inflammation occurs due to an inflammatory reaction caused by allergens such as dust, pollen, cold air, mould, smoke, stress, or physical activity.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that cannot be cured completely but can be managed easily with regular exercises, yoga, and medications.

COPD isn’t a hereditary disease but rarely occurs in people inherited with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). It is caused due to exposure to various chemical substances such as tobacco smoking, toxic fumes, and gases in the developing world.

COPD can get worse over time, but it can be controlled by regular treatments prescribed by a doctor.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonAsthmaCOPD
causesIt is caused as an inflammatory reaction to allergic substances such as dust, pet hair, cold air, or stress.It is caused by smoking, burning fuels, or other chemical gases.
AgeCan be seen at any age.Can be seen in middle-aged people.
symptomsWheezing, shortness of breath, and cough.Wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough.
TreatmentsCorticosteroids, Bronchodilators, and Bronchial Thermoplasty.Corticosteroids, Bronchodilators, and surgeries.
Response to TreatmentIt has a good response to treatment and lung function can be fully reversed.It also has a good response to treatments, but lung function can get worse over time.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects all ages and gender. The oxygen is transported to the lungs through smaller branches of bronchial airways called bronchioles.

During Asthma attacks, these airways get irritated due to the entry of allergic substances into the bronchioles.

The mast cell, a type of immune cell that releases histamine, causes the contraction of surrounding smooth muscles, and the bronchioles get red, swollen, and narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

Asthma is a hereditary disease that can be inherited from blood relatives through generations. A person is more likely to get Asthma through a family history of the disease, but in not all cases, Asthma is inherited because it also has various other risk factors.

The major symptoms of Asthma are wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Asthma attacks can be controlled by regular breathing exercises, home remedies such as intake of caffeine, and proper medications prescribed by a doctor.

Asthma has a combination of inhaled and orally taking medicines, it comes in inhalers, syrups, and tablets. The corticosteroids and bronchodilators medications are effective in the long-term run and provide quick relief to Asthma attacks by relaxing the smooth muscles around the bronchioles.

asthma

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease caused by the airway blocks in the lungs. The bronchioles are inflamed, narrowed, and filled with excess production of mucus, making it hard to breathe.

COPD mainly occurs due to smoking, inhaling toxic chemicals and gases, particulate matter, and fumes from burning fuels, however, smoking is one of the biggest risk factors, and It most affects middle-aged people.

People suffering from COPD have more chance of getting other chronic diseases like lung cancer and heart disease.

COPD is not a hereditary disease however, in rare cases, COPD can be inherited due to a rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), where the level of AAT proteins is very low, and they are unable to protect the lungs.

COPD is a term that represents a set of two chronic lung diseases. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are caused by inflammation, destruction, and dilation of bronchial tubes in the lungs. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing.

COPD can be controlled by quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and using proper treatments. Medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids are effective in rapidly relaxing muscles around the bronchioles.

copd

Main Differences Between Asthma and COPD

  1. Both Asthma and COPD are chronic lung diseases, but asthma is a separate respiratory disease, on the other hand, COPD is a term for a group of two chronic lung diseases.
  2. Asthma is caused due to inhalation of certain allergens, but COPD is caused due to smoking and inhalation of toxic substances.
  3. Asthmatic inflammation occurs in eosinophils immune cells, but COPD inflammation occurs in neutrophils immune cells.
  4. Asthmatic symptoms occur only during a certain period, but COPD symptoms can be seen all time.
  5. In Asthmatic diagnosis, reversible airflow limitations occur, but  COPD diagnoses are non-reversible.
  6. Asthma occurs in all ages, but COPD occurs in middle-age.
Difference Between Asthma and COPD
References
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940299306000236
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012369215527499

Last Updated : 16 July, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

23 thoughts on “Asthma vs COPD: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The article effectively showcases the differences and similarities between asthma and COPD. It’s important to educate people about these respiratory conditions.

    Reply
  2. Asthma and COPD are complex conditions with different underlying causes, as outlined in the article. The treatments vary, so it’s essential to know which condition is being dealt with.

    Reply
  3. The information presented in this article is incredibly valuable for anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of asthma and COPD.

    Reply
  4. The article does a great job of explaining the differences between asthma and COPD, as well as their similarities. It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of each and go to a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

    Reply
  5. This article provides a comprehensive comparison between asthma and COPD. Both conditions have different causes and treatment options, so understanding the specifics is important.

    Reply
  6. COPD and asthma are both very serious health conditions that need to be managed properly. The information provided here is helpful in understanding how to approach each condition.

    Reply
  7. The detailed explanations of asthma and COPD’s causes and treatments are beneficial for individuals looking to understand these respiratory diseases better.

    Reply
  8. The comparison table provides a clear breakdown of the causes and treatments for asthma and COPD. This information is valuable for those affected by these conditions.

    Reply
  9. This article provides a clear and detailed overview of asthma and COPD, making it easier for individuals to understand the distinctions between the two conditions.

    Reply
  10. The distinction between asthma and COPD is well-explained here. Recognizing the causes and symptoms can help individuals seek proper medical care.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!