Reader’s Digest India – July 2019

of us needs to weigh in, to make the
authorities accountable. For example, a
policy decision has already been taken
for making spirometers available in
district hospitals; it is important to see
that it is implemented.
Stop smoking. Cessation of smok-
ing can certainly help. Also, breathing
exercises and yoga can help patients in

Health

COPD vs ASTHMA

COPD and asthma are easily confused as they share many similarities. Both manifest the

same kind of symptoms, cause chronic inflammation and are a result of the same environmental

triggers. However, the two are distinct in different ways. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder

of the airways caused by a constriction of the muscles and inflammation of the airway lining.

COPD is a disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation that is usually progressive

and associated with an abnormal response of the lungs to toxic particles or gases. Knowing the

difference and getting the right diagnosis is critical in successful treatment and management.

pulmonary rehabilitation. Octogenarian

Das, for example, having quit smoking

and diagnosed correctly, feels much

better now. It meant an initial round of

antibiotics and inhalers, for a year. But

currently, he only needs to take inhalers

and medication once a day. “I couldn’t

feel better at this age,” he chuckles.

—WITH INPUTS FROM ISHANI NANDI

Source: Consultant, an independent clinical journal, December 2011

CLINICAL FEATURES COPD ASTHMA

Smoker or ex-smoker Nearly all Possibly

Symptoms under age 35 Rare Often

Progression of symptoms Chronic, slowly progressive Episodic, highly variable

Chronic productive cough Common Uncommon

Breathlessness Persistent and progressive Variable

Night-time awakening with

shortness of breath Uncommon Common

Atopic symptoms and

seasonal allergies Uncommon Common

Significant day to day

variability Uncommon Common

Airway inflammation Due to WBCs* called neutrophils^ Due to WBCs called eosinophils

Favourable response to ICS

(inhaled corticosteroids) Inconsistent Consistent

*white blood cells

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