Respiratory
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is a lung condition that is made up of the following: chronic bronchitis (a condition that affects the airways) and emphysema (a condition that damages air sacs in the lungs) that causes difficulty in breathing. COPD affects 2.6 million Canadians and is commonly caused by smoking. Less commonly, COPD, can also be caused by other factors including exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals and air pollution. Symptoms of COPD include persistent coughing and wheezing when breathing, breathlessness, tiredness, phlegm, edema and can lead to complications such as heart failure. There is no cure for COPD, and symptoms of this chronic condition should be managed with an action plan to improve an individual’s quality of life.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a lung condition experienced by over 3 million Canadians, and is characterized by inflammation, increased mucus and tightening of the airways which can make it difficult to breathe. A person’s Asthma can be triggered by a wide range of external factors such as: allergens (animal dander, moulds, pollen, and others), external irritants (detergents, insulation and packaging materials, antibiotics, and others) and non-allergic irritants (smog, smoke, vigorous exercise, viral infections and others). Asthma varies in it’s severity and typical symptoms include: chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma is a chronic condition, and currently no cure exists. Therefore, it is important to manage your Asthma with an action plan to be as symptom-free as possible.
COPD vs. Asthma
Using the chart below, learn more about the differences and similarities between these two conditions.
| Factors | COPD | Asthma |
| Age of Onset | Middle age, usually > 40 years | Any age |
| Smoking History | Common, >20 plus years | May or may not be present |
| Allergy | Uncommon | Common - rhinitis, eczema, skin prick positive, eosinophils |
| Family History | Not common | Common |
| Key Features | Cough, difficulty breathing, expectoration | Cough, wheeze, chest tightness, difficulty breathing |
| Phlegm | Often copious | Infrequent |
| Symptom Free Period | It is chronic and progressive without any symptom free period | There is recurrent attack but the patient is usually symptom free in between attacks. However, in chronic bronchial asthma, the features may be persistent. |
| Difficulty Breathing | Progressive, persistent (with exacerbation) | Intermittent and variable, vary from day to day and peak at night and in early morning |
COPD Assessment Test
This self-assessment test can be used to help you and your healthcare provider better understand and manage your COPD.
Asthma Control Test
Take the Asthma Control Test to determine how well your symptoms are being controlled. Available for children (4-11 years old) and adults (12 + years), you can share your results with your health care provider to help you better manage your Asthma.
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Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Global Guidelines for COPD, an exacerbation of COPD is defined as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms. Exacerbations of COPD have a negative impact on quality of life. It's important to understand when you have had an exacerbation so that you can seek care from your healthcare provider. If necessary, they will be able to make changes to your treatment plan, so that you can get the most out of your care and minimize symptoms.
It’s important to be proactive in taking care of your symptoms as it can help to prevent exacerbations. Regular assessments, even when you are feeling well, are crucial to optimize your management and prevent issues from occurring. That will help to get the most out of your breathing and daily functioning.
You can catch a flare-up before it begins. That can make it easier to treat and you could avoid needing to go to the hospital. If you experience any of the below symptoms for more than 48 hours, speak to your healthcare Provider:
- More fatigue or shortness of breath than usual
- More coughing than usual
- A change in colour of your mucus – can be yellow, green, or brown
- An increase in the amount, thickness or stickiness of the mucus
- A fever, sore throat or cold symptoms
- Swollen ankles
- Need to sleep sitting up instead of lying down
- Feeling unusually sick or unwell
The inhaler is what helps to ensure the medication is getting to the right spot in your airways to help you breathe. So when an inhaler is not used properly it means the medication may not get to where it needs to go in order to do it’s job. Inhaler misuse has been shown to be associated with poorer quality of life and increased risk of hospitalization. The good news about inhaler use is that there are many resources to help ensure you are using your inhaler properly, and if it’s not the right fit for you, there are many options. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best fit for you.