Is There a Difference Between Asthma and COPD? U nderstanding R espiratory D isease
The simple answer is no, but there is more to understanding the difference between asthma and COPD than an answer like that. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of progressive respiratory diseases. The two primary illnesses most often associated with COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma is sometimes mistaken for COPD. While they have similar symptoms, asthma belongs to a different classification of respiratory disease. COPD is a progressive condition that worsens over time. Often, someone with COPD has more than one of the diseases that belong to this category. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it’s believed that approximately 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from COPD, and nearly half of those who have COPD aren’t aware they have it. Part of the reason for this is because the symptoms often begin subtly, before worsening over time. COPD is frequently caused by smoking tobacco, whether actively or in the past. However, approximately 40 percent of patients diagnosed with COPD are people who already have asthma, as well. Asthma can increase your risk of developing COPD, a risk that increases with age.
Symptoms of COPD generally don’t appear until after the age of 40, and often after years of smoking.
The reason why some people develop asthma and others don’t isn’t well understood. There may be a connection between environmental and genetic factors. Exposure to particular types of allergens can be a trigger, but for the most part, triggers differ from person to person. Asthma triggers include:
• Pollen • Dust mites • Mold • Pet hair • Respiratory infection • Physical activity • Cold air
• Smoke • Certain medications • Stress • Food and drink preservatives like sulfites • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Meanwhile, COPD triggers include:
• Pneumonia • Influenza
• Colds • Sinusitis
The differences don’t end there. Next month, we’ll explore the two conditions further, and we’ll look at how stem cell therapy is changing the way respiratory diseases are treated.
How can you tell the difference between asthma and COPD? One factor is age. Asthma usually first occurs during childhood.
Pistachio Goji Berry GRANOLA
Ingredients
• • • • •
1 cup rolled oats ½ teaspoon salt
• • •
¼ cup coconut flakes 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⅓ cup goji berries
1 tablespoon coconut oil 3 tablespoons maple syrup ⅓ cup pistachios, chopped
Directions
1. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add oats in a thin layer and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add coconut oil and salt, then stir. Continue toasting for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Add maple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time; stir to coat. 3. Once oats are toasted, add pistachios, coconut flakes, and
cinnamon. Cook slowly until pistachios and coconut flakes are toasted but not burned, for about 5 minutes. 4. Remove from pan and stir in goji berries. 5. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or on top of your yogurt!
Recipe inspired by LoveAndLemons.com.
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