Is That Cough Asthma or COPD? Our Home Care Experts Explain the Difference.

Coughing that just won’t go away. Shortness of breath. Wheezing. Sounds like an asthma attack, right? Instead of reaching for the inhaler or an over-the-counter cough drop, however, perhaps it’s time to see if another culprit – COPD – might be coming into play. With a full 12 million people in the U.S. currently living with COPD (and just as many who probably have the disease but haven’t been diagnosed), it’s crucial for seniors with COPD-like symptoms to determine the cause behind the cough.

Some of the major differences between these two conditions include:

Asthma:

Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, dust, and pet hair can trigger asthmatic symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.
Usually displays in patients in childhood, often by age 5.
Thought to be caused by genetics.

COPD:

Environmental triggers can exacerbate symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing, but these symptoms are often present in a milder form regardless of air quality.
Typically diagnosed after age 40.
Caused mainly by cigarette smoking (in up to 90% of all patients), or bysecondhand exposure to air pollutants.While medications available for both COPD and asthma are often similar – bronchodilators or inhaled steroids – their treatment plans usually differ. Those with asthma are urged to stay away from known triggers, such as limiting outside time when the pollen count is high and avoiding secondhand smoke. Those with COPD require a more intense approach, which may include prescribed oxygen, pulmonary

rehabilitation to maximize breathing capacity, and, most importantly, making sure they’re not smoking.

Of course, it’s crucial to see the doctor if you’re concerned that your senior loved one is struggling with any lung condition.

Although there’s currently no cure for either asthma or COPD, both conditions are better controlled when properly diagnosed and treated. Although COPD does cause permanent, irreversible damage to the lungs, with correct treatment, the progression of the disease can be slowed down, its symptoms made more manageable, and quality of life maximized.

Caring Solutions’ home care team is also here to offer the assistance at home that can help make a chronic condition much easier to manage. Some of the many ways we can help include:

Light housework, to ensure as much dust as possible is removed from the home
Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and to pick upprescriptions
Encouragement and participation in physician-approved exercise programs
Planning and preparation of nutritious, delicious meals
Friendly, compassionate companionship
And much moreTo help your senior loved one remain safe and healthy at home, contact Caring Solutions’ home care experts at 877-369-5602. Or fill out our online contact form and someone from our staff will be happy to help you find the home care solutions that are right for you.tagged with Asthma, COPD

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