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| Asthma - significantly different to COPD |
Asthma is very different to COPD, although some people may have both diseases. Asthma often
starts in childhood, whereas COPD rarely starts before the age of forty.
Asthma is characterised by variable airflow obstruction, which is largely reversible, with symptoms of chest
tightness, intermittent wheeze, breathlessness and a dry cough, especially at night.
Often people with asthma are prone to allergies, and this causes the airways to become irritated. For these
people, particular irritants such as pet hair, pollen or dust cause asthma attacks. Alternatively, asthma attacks
can be started through exercise or when someone becomes emotionally agitated. When this happens the airways
contract. Unlike COPD, between attacks asthma patients will usually feel completely well.
Independent on the triggers of an asthma attack
or asthma exacerbation there is always an underlying chronic inflammation that needs to be treated.
The Global Initiative for Asthma strives to educate people about asthma and to reduce the impact of the disease.
Their website also includes a guide to asthma management. The website is www.ginasthma.com |
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| Helping your patient |
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| Slides to assist with respiratory patient education sessions. |
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| Links |
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| Further information for healthcare professionals and patients in the World Wide Web. |
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