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Asthma Home (TACP)In the SpotlightThe Burden of Asthma in TexasWhat is Asthma?Create
an Asthma Action PlanData and SurveillanceEvaluationEducational MaterialsOrganizational
ResourcesMedical Assistance ResourcesChronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseAsthma and the
FluGlossary
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Contact Us
Texas Asthma Control Program
MC 1945
PO Box 149347 Austin, Texas 78714-9347
1100 W. 49th Street, RM T-402
Austin, TX 78756
Phone:
Fax:
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Home >
Texas Asthma Control Program >
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that over time
makes it increasingly hard to breathe. COPD affects 6.3%, or 15 million US adults age 18 and
older[i] at an estimated cost of $49.9 billion annually.[ii] In Texas, 5.7%, or 1,000,072 Texas
adults are estimated to have COPD.[iii]
COPD refers to a group of lung conditions that cause blockage in the airways leading to and
from the lungs, resulting in breathing problems. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two
illnesses most commonly associated with COPD, and it is not uncommon for an individual with
COPD to have both conditions.
With bronchitis the bronchial tubes (airways) are inflamed and irritated, resulting in a persistent
cough that produces mucus. The mucus blocks the airways making it difficult to breathe.
Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or other particles that irritate the bronchial tubes,
and can be acute (lasting a few weeks) or chronic (occurring most days of the month for three
months, two or more years in a row).
Emphysema is a chronic, irreversible disease in which the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs where
oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged) become enlarged and damaged, making it difficult to
exhale. Complications of emphysema may include heart problems, high blood pressure,
respiratory infections, and collapsed lung(s). Emphysema is not curable, however, treatment can
help alleviate symptoms and slow its progression.
Causes and Symptoms
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD in the United States. Long-term exposure to pollution,
chemicals, second-hand smoke, dust and other lung irritants may also lead to COPD. Symptoms
may include:
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Chronic cough that produces mucus and sometimes blood
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Frequent respiratory infections
Fatigue and lack of energy
Decreased activity levels
Morning headaches and/or dizziness
Differential Diagnosis
COPD, asthma and other lung conditions may have similar symptoms, making it challenging to
diagnose. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how long you have had them,
review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and administer various lung function tests
to determine your specific condition. A CT scan of the lungs may be administered to confirm
structural changes or damage.
Asthma and COPD are both chronic lung diseases with overlapping symptoms and
characteristics, yet there are key differences that necessitate different management and treatment
protocols. The chart below highlights general differences between the two conditions, though it
is not meant to be all inclusive.
Characteristic
Age of onset
Cause (predisposing factor)
Symptoms
Airway Obstruction
Cough: type
Cough: frequency
Treatment goals
Table For Differential Diagnosis
Asthma
Childhood
Family history, allergies, exposure to
lung irritants (smoke, pollution, dust,
chemicals)
Vary in frequency and severity
Usually reversible if treated early and
consistently
Not usually productive (mucus)
Night and early morning
Prevent/control asthma symptoms and
attacks
COPD
Adult
Smoking and prolonged exposu
lung irritants; in some cases a g
disorder (Alpha 1-antitrypsin
deficiency)
Daily and worsening
Not fully reversible
Usually productive
Morning and throughout day
Relieve symptoms
Slow progression of disease
Treatment Methods
Long-term control and quick relief
medicines
Prevent complications and wor
illness
Long term control medicines
Antibiotics
Avoidance of asthma triggers
Steroids
Vaccines to prevent respiratory
infections
Oxygen therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation progr
Complications
Permanent narrowing of the airways
Surgery*
Heart problems, such as irregul
heartbeat or heart failure
Possible side effects from long-term use
of medicines
High blood pressure
Characteristic
Table For Differential Diagnosis
Asthma
Frequent emergency room visits and
hospitalizations
COPD
Respiratory infections
Collapsed lung(s)
Missed days of school or work
Difficulty performing activities
living
*COPD treatment is based on disease stage
Take Action
If you have been diagnosed with COPD or you are at risk, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute recommends that you:
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Quit smoking – to prevent more damage to your lungs
Avoid exposure to pollutants – stay away from things that irritate your lungs, such as
dust, chemical fumes, and second-hand smoke
Visit your doctor on a regular basis – bring a list of symptoms you are having and
medicines you are currently taking
Take precautions against the flu – get a flu shot every year and ask your doctor about the
pneumonia vaccine
While there is no cure for COPD, the progression of the disease may be slowed by quitting
smoking and avoiding exposure to other lung irritants
[i] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
(MMWR). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adults – United States, 2011. Nov
12 2012/61(46);938-943. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6146a2.htm#tab1.
[ii] Guarascio A, Ray S, Finch C, Self T. The clinical and economic burden of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease in the USA. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research 2013:5
235-245. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3694800/.
[iii] American Lung Association, Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Research and Health
Education Division. Trends in COPD (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema): Morbidity and
Mortality. March 2013. Available at: http://www.lung.org/finding-cures/our-research/trendreports/copd-trend-report.pdf.
Last updated January 17, 2014
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