How do asthma and COPD differ?
Asthma and COPD can both cause breathlessness and wheeze, but differ in symptom patterns, causes, test findings and treatment. Asthma can begin at any age, and COPD is not limited to smokers. Features of both can occur in one person.
Details
Patterns help but do not decide alone
Asthma symptoms often vary with time and triggers, whereas COPD commonly involves persistent symptoms and airflow limitation. Smoking, air pollution, occupational exposure and other factors may contribute to COPD. Not all asthma is allergic, and age alone cannot determine the diagnosis.
Use appropriate testing
A clinician reviews symptoms, history and exposures and uses spirometry and other tests when needed. Bronchodilator response is useful information, but it does not perfectly separate every asthma case from COPD. Some people with asthma develop persistent airflow limitation.
Treatment is individual
Plans may include inhalers, smoking cessation, vaccination and pulmonary rehabilitation according to the diagnosis. COPD damage is not fully reversible, but treatment can improve symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Do not substitute another person’s inhaler just because their breathing difficulty sounds similar to yours.
Related reading: How is asthma diagnosed, and are cough or wheeze enough?.