Asthma vs COPD - A quick summary of the differences between them

Asthma is a lung disease that affects almost 20 million Americans. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease that afflicts 24 million patients in the U.S. COPD is mainly caused by smoking or secondhand smoke, while asthma can by caused by exposure to allergens, dust and air pollutants. Innovative treatments are needed to combat both asthma and COPD, and LGM Pharma provides quality API's for the R&D needs of clients seeking treatments for these lung diseases.

1. Asthma vs COPD A quick summary of the differences between Asthma and COPD

2. Asthma Diagnosis Diagnostic Definition of Asthma : A reversible obstructive lung disease due to an increased reaction of the airways to a variety of stimuli, such as allergens or smoke. Age of Diagnosis: Asthma can be diagnosed at any age, although almost 80 percent of children diagnosed experience symptoms of this disease by the age of 5.

3. COPD Diagnosis Diagnostic Definition of COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive disease that is defined as airflow limitation that is not completely reversible. Age of Diagnosis: COPD is often diagnosed in patients after the age of 45.

4. Symptoms of Asthma Breathing with Asthma: A patient’s difficulty of breathing are classified as mild, moderate, to severe. As an inflammatory disease asthma is often a chronic condition that is marked by acute exacerbations. Shortness of breath Wheezing Cough Anxiety Some symptoms are:

5. Symptoms of Asthma Asthma Exacerbations: As an inflammatory disease asthma is often a chronic condition that is marked by acute exacerbations. Exacerbations are characterized by shortness of breath, coughing, a tight feeling in the chest and wheezing.

6. Symptoms of COPD Breathing with COPD : Shortness of breath is the primary symptom of COPD and is caused by blocked or clogged airways and damaged or destroyed alveoli. Coughing Chest pain Depression Fever Weight loss Some symptoms are: Patients diagnosed with COPD display signs of both bronchitis and emphysema, and experience exacerbations that can be fatal.

7. Symptoms of COPD COPD Exacerbations: Patients suffering from COPD rarely experience a symptom free day and often endure airflow obstruction of some sort, causing exacerbations. Patients display signs of both bronchitis and emphysema, and sometimes experience exacerbations that can be fatal.

8. Smoking Asthma: Asthma occurs in people who are both smokers and non-smokers . Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. COPD: Over 80 percent of people with COPD are current or former smokers . Smoking cessation and the use of a bronchodilator may partially reverse the intense symptoms of COPD.

9. Triggers Asthma: Asthma can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, including: COPD: COPD is triggered by several factors including: Respiratory Infections Cigarette Smoke Allergens such as mold, pollen, animal dander and foods Air Pollution Exercise, excessive excitement or cold temperatures Cigarette, Cigar or Pipe Smoking Exposure to large amounts of secondhand smoke Inhalation of occupational chemicals and dust Extreme air pollution Genetic Factors (less than 5 percent of cases fall into this category)

10. Children Asthma: Asthma is a very common chronic disorder in children, affecting roughly 7.1 million American children ages 18 and younger. COPD: COPD is rarely documented in children under the age of 18. Young adults are rarely diagnosed with COPD in their 20’s, and these cases are believed to occur due to both genetic predisposition and smoking.

11. African Americans vs Caucasions Asthma: African Americans have a 39 % higher rate of asthma diagnosis as compared to Caucasians. COPD: COPD tends to be more commonly diagnosed in Caucasians and men.

12. Predictions Asthma: The rise of obesity in Americans has led to an increased development of asthma and a worsening of asthma symptoms in patients who are currently diagnosed with this disease. COPD: By the year 2020 COPD is projected to become the third leading cause of death in the United States.

13. Thank you for watching! American Lung Association American Association for Respiratory Care CDC WHO AIM- Asthma Initiative of Michigan AchooAllergy.com LungUSA.org References: Check out our blog for more Asthma/COPD information: http://www.lgmpharma.com/blog/