Asthma

Are asthma and COPD the same?

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are respiratory illnesses, but they aren’t the same:

Asthma

Asthma causes your lungs to become inflamed and produce excess mucus. It’s typically caused by an allergy, such as exposure to pollen, or activity, such as exercise. Asthma symptoms come and go, and respond well to treatment.

COPD

COPD is an umbrella term for several diseases that damage your lung function. It’s typically caused by lifestyle factors, like smoking cigarettes or long-term exposure to chemicals. COPD worsens over time; there’s no cure, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing or wheezing
• Trouble sleeping

For many people, asthma symptoms are worse during certain situations. For example, you might notice you have trouble breathing after running or other forms of exercise.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Your Innovative Medical Group provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an exam. They also order several tests, including:

Spirometry

Spirometry measures how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how quickly you can breathe out. Lower-than-average readings indicate a problem with your bronchial tubes, which allow oxygen into your lungs.

Peak flow

This test measures how hard you exhale after taking a deep breath. Below-average readings indicate poor lung function and worsening asthma.

How is asthma treated?

Innovative Medical Group treats asthma using a patient-centered, holistic approach. They might suggest:

• Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation
• Leukotriene modifiers (drugs that reduce asthma symptoms)
• Theophylline, a medication that relaxes the muscles in your airways
• Short-acting beta agonists
• Oral or intravenous corticosteroids
• Allergy shots
• Biologics

Usually, medications are combined with healthy lifestyle changes, like allergy avoidance. For example, if exposure to pollen makes your asthma worse, the team might recommend wearing a protective mask outside or keeping the windows closed on high pollen days. 

How long does it take for asthma treatment to work?

The time it takes for asthma treatment to work depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Most people see an improvement within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment*. Follow your provider’s instructions, take medication as prescribed, and attend all checkups. 

Call Innovative Medical Group today to schedule asthma treatment, or book your appointment online.