Asthma Medications COPD

Asthma Medications. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the lungs, specifically the airways or the windpipes. Its signs and symptoms include wheezing and breathing difficulty. Asthma can be triggered by various factors including exposure to allergens or irritants, viruses, physical exertion, or mental causes.

During an asthma attack, the interior of the airway walls, also referred to as bronchial tubes or windpipes, swell and become inflamed. As a result, the muscle around this area tightens, making the airflow in and out of the lungs extra challenging. An individual with asthma might experience chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness, coughing and an abnormal production of mucus.

On one hand, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pertains to a group of illnesses that affect airflow and breathing. COPD can result in airflow-blockage and other breathing-related problems like bronchitis, emphysema, and even asthma. Statistically, 16 million Americans are living with some form of COPD. Similar to asthma, some of the common symptoms of COPD are difficulty in breathing, cough, excessive mucus production and wheezing.

Although asthma, including other COPD, is not a terminal ailment but a chronic one that worsens over time, it is still necessary to take action to prevent its attacks. If left untreated, it may weaken the body and cause more serious health issues.

Asthma and COPD have no cure, but both are manageable through medications. Asthma can be managed by inhalers that ease asthma symptoms and relax tight airways. Other preventive measures for both asthma and COPD are making basic lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, avoiding irritants, improving exercise, and eating a well-balanced diet.