Asthma v. COPD

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jacquie23
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Jacquie23

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hahaha... I wish ON my life asthma was reversible!! lol controlled... yes.. I have had asthma for 20 years, and I have to say I really never took it serious. but there are sooo many different types of asthma, and so many different types of meRAB to treat what kind you have. i see lots of 2 year olRAB in my daycare come in with asthma meRAB because they cant seem to get over the bronchitis or cold they have. the meRAB help, they get over it! they cured Asthma! as they dont need their meRAB again. until of course it happens again, could be 10 years later, who knows.. but did they Really have Asthma? or where they just treating a chest infection. with the supper bugs these days, chest infections are getting worse and asthma meRAB work wonders on them.

I really dont know anymore. for me it is just life. if I didn
 
Good catch Titchou - I was typing faster than I was thinking when I posted that. I changed the post and hope it didn't confuse anyone.
 
I am 38 and was just diagnosed with lung problems. I don't have a full diagnosis yet, but my dr. thinks I may have asthma (we are awaiting more tests).

My question is how is asthma different than COPD? Also, can one have both? If someone here has COPD, can you describe what some of those symptoms are vs. asthma or even just in general?

Thanks!
 
Jacquie, I am so sorry to hear your story. Mine is so strange that I am unsure where I lie. I have a hard time taking in a breath as I have tietzes syndrome, which is where the cartilidge/connective tissues of the ribs are inflamed and irritated at all times, and I am in constant pain-just to a slight touch. I can't fully expand my lungs to breath. (I have the chronic type which is rare.) I also have only 76% lung function and don't know how bad that is--anyone????

When I use inhaler meRAB my lung function test went up a lot, so that is why they were thinking asthma. (However, I don't have "attacks" or wheezing, so I am lost.) I smoked for years and worked in a nightclub that was essentially a box of smokers without air. (Youth!!)

Thoughts?
 
Some doctors use these terms interchangeably. Asthma is a more specific dx whereas COPD is more general and covers many possibilities. The symptoms are pretty much the same.
 
Thanks for your replies. I am learning and will keep you posted as to what my diagnosis enRAB up being.
 
I thought COPD was like a permanent illness that is more serious and asthma was different?
 
Actually, while the symptoms of COPD and asthma are similar - shortness of breath, swollen linings in the bronchi and excess mucus production, they are very different diseases (and no doctor should use the terms interchangeably).

Asthma is controllable (with medications) inflammation of the bronchi. COPD is a degenerative condition that results in permanent scarring of the bronchi that cannot be reversed (is usually caused by smoking) and that inevitably worsens over time.
 
gcsmithjr: I always agree with your remarks but I feel compelled to ask you to reconsider the use of the word "reversible" when talking about asthma. That would indicate to most people that it is curable - which it is not. Perhaps controllable is a better choice?
 
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