As a writer, I find it important to share what I learn with others so that they also may gain knowledge needed to have more secure footing when they battle their own illness or chronic disease.

Taking my responsibility for learning as much as I can about my COPD/Asthma is something I choose to do so to make myself more aware of what is happening now, what may happen at any moment and what may lay ahead as I travel my path of life with the companionship of COPD/Asthma.

With all that, ‘Reflections of COPD/Asthma’ will cover a variety of topics to help remind people, both those affected by the disease and those family and friends that surround them, of the ideas, research, diagnoses, game-plans and all that goes with keeping the battles at a distance.

Today we discuss or refresh your knowledge of part three of a five-part series on the ‘5 Myths of COPD/Asthma that can make you sicker’ if you let them.

COPD Myth #3: “COPD is the same as asthma.”

Even though most my postings or references refer to COPD and Asthma, and while they both are inflammatory type conditions causing coughing and wheezing – Asthma and COPD are very different diseases, though studies show that approximately 15% of people can have both asthma and COPD.

Though asthma can develop at any age, most people with asthma start noticing it as children or teens whereas COPD slowly develops over time and normally is not noticeable by symptoms until individuals are 40 years old or older.

When a person is exposed to allergens such as dust, pollen or pet dander is when asthma symptoms may appear and those folks will be symptom-free in the time-period between asthma attacks.

People with COPD will experience flare ups or what’s called exacerbations when they get a cold, an upper respiratory infection or exposure to smoke and/or other lung irritants.

The treatment difference between Asthma and COPD are similar in use of inhalers, though asthma’s treatment if more with long-term medicines to help reduce airway inflammation with quick-relief or rescue bronchodilators as needed for symptoms of wheezing while those diagnosed with COPD need to be on long-lasting inhalers as opposed to rescue medications.

The important thing is for people having difficulties with breathing on a consistent basis is that they get properly diagnosed by their physician and/or a pulmonologist.

QUESTIONS OF REFLECTION – – If you have been diagnosed with both Asthma and COPD, what has your pulmonologist done in laying the groundwork for treatment?  Which, in your opinion, affects your daily life more and how long have you been diagnosed with each, as well as both together?

If you would like to reflect your response to others, please leave them under the comment section of wheezingaway.com.  Thanx.

As always, CrossDove Writer reminds you that if you or anyone you know have any symptoms involving lung and breathing functionality, and they linger over and over while disrupting a lifestyle – then please ask questions and get it checked out.

ALWAYS REMEMBER > a person without breathing is a person without life itself.

NOTE TO REMEMBER: We only give descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer and more medical founded information.

With that I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer)

To follow all postings about COPD/Asthma by CrossDove Writer and Mr. William at wheezingaway.com or on Facebook at COPD Travels.

(Information gathered from various news/health websites, COPD Foundation’s “Big Fat Reference Guide on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” and the book “Live Your Life with COPD”)

(Images used cleared for use by yahoo.com and/or google.images.com)