How Is COPD Different from Other Breathing Problems?


COPD is often mistaken for other conditions, like asthma. What's more, many people confuse the symptoms with signs of getting older. Or they tell themselves they just have a "smoker's cough" — in fact, some doctors even call it that. But COPD is different. It's a disease that needs unique attention and treatment.

COPD is not asthma.

Studies show us that many people with COPD are misdiagnosed with asthma. If you think you might be one of them, you should ask your doctor about COPD. This is especially true if you are over 40, if your symptoms began in adulthood, and if you have a history of smoking.

Asthma vs. COPD: What's the difference?

Asthma

  • Starts in childhood
  • Does not generally worsen with age
  • Is caused by allergens, weather, and heredity
  • Often shows no symptoms between attacks
  • Can be treated to quickly and fully restore airflow

COPD

  • Starts in middle age or older
  • Worsens as the disease progresses
  • Is directly linked to smoking
  • Is chronic (occurs almost all the time)
  • Cannot ever be treated to fully restore airflow

"Smoker's cough" is a symptom, not a disease.

Many smokers tell themselves that they just have a cough. They even have a name for it. But "smoker's cough" is not a true medical condition. The persistent cough people experience usually indicates a breathing problem. For some smokers — and former smokers — it's a sign of COPD. And it needs to be treated.

copd myth

Childhood asthma becomes COPD.

REALITY: Although they do share symptoms, COPD is a unique disease with its own causes and treatment options. One does not lead to the other, nor does having one mean you are more likely to get the other. Asthma and COPD are two different conditions.