Is It Asthma Or COPD? 5 Ways To Know The Difference

Though chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma both cause severe respiratory symptoms, they’re not the same disease. Since the treatments for these illnesses also differ, you need to know how to identify whether you’re dealing with asthma or COPD.  5 Differences Between Asthma And COPD 1. They Have Different Causes Asthma has several possible causes including genetics, allergies, and viral respiratory illnesses as a child. You can develop adult-onset asthma from exposure to environmental irritants as well as smoking. COPD is primarily caused by smoking but some people with asthma have been known to develop the condition.  2. COPD Is A Progressive Disease Generally, asthma doesn’t worsen over time. Some people have even had their symptoms get more manageable as they get older. With COPD, you’re likely to see the disease progress. 3. They Have Different Triggers Asthma is typically triggered by allergens, exercise, and cold air. If you have COPD, some of the triggers you may have include air pollution, strong fragrances, extreme temperatures, cleaning chemicals, and respiratory tract infections.  RELATED: COPD: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments 4. They Can Affect Different People Asthma is predominantly diagnosed in children. While adults can develop asthma, that form of the disease...