Asthma & COPD

Asthma and COPD are different conditions but have many features in common.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the term used for those long-term lung conditions that are characterised by shortness of breath, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

COPD usually occurs in people who have smoked or continue to smoke cigarettes. Exposure to irritants like dust and fumes can also increase the risk of developing COPD.

Asthma and COPD can be hard to distinguish from each other because they have many features in common. Also, it is possible to have both conditions at once.

Your doctor may ask you to have a lung function test (called spirometry) to help identify if you have asthma or COPD, and to work out how mild or severe your lung problems might be.

Knowing which condition you have, or whether you have both, is important so you can get the right treatment. Asthma and COPD have different patterns of symptoms and triggers, and need different management to stay under control.

More information

The Australian Lung Foundation provides information and support for people with COPD and their families.

See the Australian Lung Foundation website at: www.lungfoundation.com.au