Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to refer to all kinds of obstructive lung diseases. These include refractory asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. On the other hand, asthma is a disease in which the airways become inflamed and produce extra mucus. While COPD generally strikes later in life, asthma shows up early on, in childhood.

Although there are some major differences between the two ailments, symptoms such as chronic coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness are common in patients of chronic asthma as well as COPD. That’s the reason the two conditions are often mistaken for each other.

Now let’s take a look at their treatment options to know how to manage each well.

Diagnosis and treatment of COPD
COPD is diagnosed with the help of certain tests including lung function tests, CT scans, and certain blood tests to determine if there is a genetic cause. The disease may be successfully controlled for life with the help of medications and certain preventive measures including the following:

• Bronchodilators
  The treatment for COPD includes the use of bronchodilators which help relax the muscles of the bronchi. This widens the passage in the airways and eases the process of breathing. However, bronchodilators may cause side effects such as headaches, loss of appetite, and constipation.
• Steroids
  Steroids are often prescribed to help reduce inflammation in the airways. You may take steroids through an inhaler in cases of mild flare-ups of COPD. In severe cases, they are administered in the form of pills.
• Antibiotics and surgery
  Antibiotics too may be prescribed to reduce a possible infection from influenza and pneumonia. In very rare cases, lung transplant or lung volume reduction surgery is advised.
• Quit smoking
  Smoking is the main cause of COPD and thus, it is necessary to stub out this habit. It is definitely not easy to quit smoking. Do speak to your doctor about nicotine supplements like patches or chewing gums that might make the process easier.

Diagnosis and treatment of Asthma
Asthma is diagnosed with the help of lung function tests, blood tests to rule out other respiratory illnesses, and CT scan. The treatment options for asthma are then determined by the patient’s age and severity of the flare-ups. The most common methods of treatment are:

• Inhalers
  These are the most widespread and well-known method of asthma treatment. They help open up airways and facilitate the process of breathing. There are different kinds of inhalers—some with pressurized contents and others with powder medicine. Your doctor will recommend the one that will work the best for you.
• Medication to control asthma
  These medicines fall into two categories—medicines for immediate relief and medicines for long-term asthma control and prevention. Quick-relief prescriptions are short-acting beta-2agonists and anticholinergics. Medicines for long-term prevention include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, inhaled long-acting beta-2agonists, immunomodulators, and oral corticosteroids.
• Allergy treatment
  If your asthma is triggered off by a specific allergy, it is of utmost importance to seek medication to improve your resistance to the same. Allergy shots, when taken for a long time, help build your immunity and resistance to common allergens such as pet dander and pollen that otherwise may be quite disturbing.
• Personal healthcare
  Asthma patients have to take great efforts to avoid their asthma triggers. It is important to stay fit, keep an air purifier at home, cover the nose and mouth while outdoors, and never over exert physically. Practicing breathing exercises works wonders in relieving the symptoms.