Asthma | COPD
Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes the airways to become inflamed and increases the production of mucus in the airways and lungs. Inflammation inside the airways is triggered by irritants like dust, pollen, pet dander, molds, fumes, pollution, and even temperature changes. Some people find their symptoms become worse with strenuous exercise. When you come in contact with these triggers, inflammation causes your airways to become constricted and narrowed, resulting in difficulty breathing. Inflammation also triggers increased production of mucus, which can make breathing even more difficult. The precise underlying cause of asthma isn’t known, but you can be more prone to having asthma if you have risk factors such as:
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Family history of asthma
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Work exposures to chemicals and other irritants
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Previous viral respiratory infection, especially during childhood
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Allergies
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History of smoking
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Obesity
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of progressive lung disease characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.
The GOLD criteria 2024 defined COPD as a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction.
The main symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath and a cough, which may or may not produce mucus. COPD progressively worsens, with everyday activities such as walking or dressing becoming difficult. While COPD is incurable, it is preventable and treatable. The two most common types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Here at Evolve Wellness and Recovery, we will take charge of your current COPD status and make a plan that suits your needs.
Oral inhalation asthma medications can be delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI), which uses HFA to propel medication into the lungs, or by dry powder inhaler (DPI), which is breath-actuated. Some asthma drugs can also be prescribed in vial form as nebulizer solution.
Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs)
• Albuterol sulfate (Ventolin, Proventil)
• Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
Anticholinergic agents
• Short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs) like ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) like tiotropium bromide (Spiriva)
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs)
• Fluticasone propionate (Flovent)
• Budesonide (Pulmicort)
• Mometasone (Asmanex)
Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
• Salmeterol (Serevent)
• Formoterol (Foradil, Oxeze Turbuhaler)
Leukotriene inhibitors
• Montelukast (Singulair)