Reference
- Cleveland Clinic - Asthma vs. COPD: Asthma vs. COPD: What's the Difference?.
- WebMd - Asthma or COPD: Asthma or COPD? How to Tell the Difference.
Respiratory Disease Community
Asthma and COPD
Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) are respiratory diseases involving chronic inflammation and airway obstruction. Asthma is often diagnosed in childhood whereas COPD is more likely to appear later in life with adults who smoke. Both conditions cause breathing problems characterized by a persistent cough, shortness of breath and airway inflammation.
Asthma symptoms are more intermittent, with symptoms more severe based on exposure to irritants, such as dust and pollen in addition to cold air, exercise, respiratory tract infections and stress. COPD symptoms tend to worsen with time.
Taking Control of Respiratory Conditions
Patient options are dependent on the type of respiratory illness and severity of symptoms. The most significant lifestyle option that can improve symptoms is avoiding smoking. Treatment options for both asthma and COPD include inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting bronchodilators and oral or injected steroid medications. Avoiding other known triggers are important for long term maintenance.
Advances in Respiratory treatment
While there are several approved and well-established treatments for both COPD and asthma, there is still a significant unmet need for patients that experience severe symptoms despite treatment. The FDA has recently approved more affordable options for traditional standard of care inhaled treatments. Additionally, clinical trials are exploring the safety and efficacy of combination treatments to combat symptoms. for traditional standard of care inhaled treatments. Additionally, clinical trials are exploring the safety and efficacy of combination treatments to combat symptoms.
You can get involved
Given the importance of research for respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, there are many opportunities to get involved in clinical trials in this space. Clinical trials are typically looking for volunteers that are currently experiencing symptoms of these diseases, particularly symptoms that are not effectively treated by current approved medications These trials are critical to test new potential treatment options and gather data to ensure safety and efficacy of these medications.
RECRUITING TRIALS