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Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #13650
10 days ago
47

copd and asthma - #13650

Kashvi

I am struggling to breathe and it feels like a never-ending cycle of frustration. Last week, I went to the emergency room because my chest was tight, and I was wheezing like crazy. They said it might be related to both COPD and asthma, but I'm finding it hard to wrap my head around it, ya know? I've been a smoker for years, but I quit last year, thinking I could turn things around. I didn’t even realize that COPD and asthma can kind of coexist, but the doc mentioned something about my symptoms possibly being aggravated by both. I keep getting conflicting advice; one doc says it’s mostly COPD and another insists that asthma is a huge player here. Is anyone else dealing with COPD and asthma together? The wheezing is relentless, especially at night, and my inhalers don’t seem to help much anymore. Sometimes it feels like every time I try to take a deep breath, I'm just pushing against this wall of tightness in my chest. Are there specific treatments or lifestyle changes that’ve worked for you both? I’m desperate to find some kind of relief, cause living with both COPD and asthma is draining!

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It sounds like what you’re dealing with might be a mix of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma, known as asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). It’s not uncommon, and understanding it can be tough because the symptoms somewhat overlap, but the management can be different. Quitting smoking was a crucial step, as smoking is a major contributor to COPD progression and can also worsen asthma symptoms. Without accurate control of both conditions, it’s expected that you would experience persistent symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness. It’s important to adhere strictly to your prescribed inhalers and medications. If your current inhalers aren’t providing relief, it might be time to review your treatment plan with your healthcare provider. Sometimes, combining long-acting inhalers that contain both a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid can help manage symptoms more effectively. Also, ensure that you’re using your inhalers with the correct technique, as improper use can reduce efficiency. Seek guidance from a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you’re unsure. Lifestyle changes like engaging in pulmonary rehabilitation exercises could improve your lung capacity and ability to manage symptoms. Such programs are designed to provide you with strategies to cope with breathlessness and improve your quality of life. Keep your environment free of irritants or allergens, as these can inflame the airways. Also, consider regular flu and pneumonia vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections, which you may now be more vulnerable to. Monitoring your symptoms, keeping track of your triggers, and a consistent follow-up with your healthcare provider for regular assessment is essential. They might repeat some lung function tests to note if there is airflow limitation properly reversible with bronchodilators, guiding whether asthma management strategies might be prioritized. If at any point you find your symptoms abruptly worsening or becoming unmanageable, seek immediate medical attention.

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