Maintaining Strong Lungs: Managing Asthma and COPD

Though closely linked, asthma and COPD are different lung conditions and thus, require different approaches when it comes to treatment. 

Managing Asthma 

Though more commonly detected in childhood, asthma can be diagnosed at any time in a person’s life; symptoms of asthma can occur in adults as well. And though it is incurable, several asthma treatments can help allay symptoms. The most common of which is the inhaler. This helps control the condition by delivering medication directly to the lungs. This allows those living with asthma to breathe better and to live with ease despite their condition.

There are two types of inhalers:¹

• Steroids to reduce air passage inflammation. This helps improve asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of severe, life-threatening attacks. 
• Bronchodilators open up air passages and relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. 

For some people living with asthma, using their inhaler may be an everyday occurrence. While for some, this may only be an occasional necessity. Treatment will depend on the frequency and severity of symptoms. For children who encounter difficulties using their inhaler, a spacer device may be needed. Consult your child’s pediatrician to know more.¹

Those living with asthma, along with their caregivers, need the right amount of education and support. Knowing their options, for instance, is very important. It’s also vital to remember what triggers to avoid and how to effectively manage symptoms at home. What’s more, it is also important to know when to seek medical attention to prevent a serious asthma attack.²

Making the most out of your medical visits is also important. Create an asthma management plan with your HCP.² Keep track of your symptoms in order to better document and report them. Avoid known triggers and report any new signs and symptoms. It’s also vital to understand your medication along with the causes of symptoms. This will help your doctor understand the progression of your condition. 

With the right asthma treatment plan crafted with a trusted healthcare provider, those living with asthma can breathe easier and live better.

Managing COPD

With the right knowledge and support, COPD can be safely managed at home. Work with your doctor to figure out a COPD self-management program, eating plan, and safe physical activities to remain active despite your condition. Rearranging your surroundings at home can also be a simple but effective way to reduce exertion. For instance, put items in easy-to reach areas. Use tables and carts with wheels to avoid heavy lifting. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Most importantly, take your medication as recommended by your healthcare provider. 

A COPD Action and Management Plan is a 3-in-1 personalized worksheet devised by the American Lung Association.³ It comprises three zones — green, yellow, and red — which dictates the dose and frequency of your medication.   
In the green zone, there are no COPD symptoms at all. This stage calls for continuous long-term control medication. You may also use oxygen as prescribed. In the yellow zone, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, cough, or shortness of breath. This calls for quick-relief medication or other medications as prescribed by your doctor. Finally, in the red zone, there is severe shortness of breath, chills, chest pain, or even bloody cough, along with other alarming symptoms. This calls for emergency medical attention.
The good news is, even for those with advanced COPD, effective treatment is still available.⁵ For those with milder variants of the condition, even something as simple as smoking cessation can do the trick. 

Other ways to treat COPD and live an active life are as follows:

• Medications for COPD, such as bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, combination inhalers, oral steroids, Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, Theophylline, antibiotics
• Lung therapies, such as oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation program
• In-home noninvasive ventilation therapy
• Managing flare-ups by monitoring symptoms and seeking medical attention
• Surgery as indicated, such as lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplant, bullectomy

Though COPD has no cure yet, lifestyle changes along with the proper treatment can help you breathe better. It can even slow disease progression.⁴ It’s important to keep track of your symptoms or flare-ups and to call your healthcare provider, particularly if you have signs of infection. 

With proper management and knowledge, it is possible for you to breathe easier and breathe better.