Asthmatic or COPD - Asthma Message Board

Washer · 12-04-2007, 06:59 AM

I get confused by the term used by referring to someone as asthmatic or has COPD. I got hit about 4 years ago with a bronchial problem. I am a male senior, ex smoker for 43 years and in reasonable good health. After finding various medication for my problem and eventually sticking to Advair 250 which only recently was upgraded by my doctor from 150, I am feeling just fine again. I haven't had an asthmatic attack in over 2 years...so does that make me an asthmatic? Recently on tv with their constant ads on medications there is one called COPD. The symptoms sounded similar that I had in the past...so do I have that? I asked my doctor and he said they are both the same..then why are they differentiated by different acronyms? I do have some phlegm, but not like I had in the past. Recently, I had prostrate problems and had to fill out the typical medical history form that one get upon visiting a new doctor. Among the questions one is asked if you are an asthmatic. I usually put a check mark. Was I wrong and should I just leave it blank?

Titchou · 12-04-2007, 09:14 AM

Yes, you are asthmatic still. Just because the meds control the asthma doesn't mean you don't have it any more. Just like a diabetic whose diabetes is controlled...they still have diabetes. There is no cure for either. And it's irrelevant whether you call it asthma or COPD (thought I believe there is a technical difference), you still have a breathing disease that will never be cured and you should so note that on any medical history.

Laurette · 12-20-2007, 12:13 PM

There is a big difference between Asthma and COPD. COPD usually occurs in midlife after smoking for many years or being exposed to toxic indoor or outdoor pollutants. Asthma occurs much earlier in life. The only way to get a diagnosis of COPD is by Spirometry, which measures lung function. You will not find the irreversible lung damage in Asthmatics that you find in persons with COPD - and let me also ask you - how many asthmatics do you know who are on oxygen 24/7?

Buffalo Gal · 12-20-2007, 12:28 PM

I believe COPD refers to Chronic Bronchitis & Emphysema. Sometimes, they are both present. Asthma also obstructs breathing, but is considered to be a separate disease. Many children develop Asthma, but the primary risk factor for COPD is smoking. You never get rid of Asthma. I thought I had. It was 33 years between attacks. I thought it was gone. It was lying dormant all that time.

bobsmith2007 · 12-26-2007, 07:56 PM

Good answers here.
COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (which is chronic bronchitis/emphysema). Essentially there are major differences between the two - COPD is almost irreversible (the damage is done) whereas asthma is very much reversible (or at least to an extent).
Interestingly, there is often an asthmatic component to COPD so things aren't as simple as some make out.
Hope this helps.
Any further questions, please ask.