Managing Asthma and COPD: Breathe Easier with the Right Medications 

By: Nadia Ahmed, PharmD & Chronic Care Management Expert

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common lung conditions that can affect your breathing, activity level and quality of life. Although asthma and COPD are different conditions, both can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

With the right treatment plan, many people can better control their symptoms, reduce flare-ups and breathe more comfortably.

Asthma vs. COPD: What’s the Difference?

Asthma and COPD both affect the airways, but they are not the same condition.

Asthma can occur at any age and often involves symptoms that vary over time. Symptoms may be triggered by allergens, exercise, respiratory infections, smoke, cold air or other environmental factors.

COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking is a major risk factor, although long-term exposure to other lung irritants can also contribute to COPD.

Because asthma and COPD are different diseases, medications and treatment plans should be individualized based on your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health.

Understanding Asthma and COPD Medications

Several types of medications may be used to manage asthma and COPD. Some provide rapid symptom relief, while others control symptoms and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

Your healthcare provider will determine which medication or combination of medications is appropriate for you.

Reliever and Quick-Acting Inhalers

Reliever medications help open the airways when breathing symptoms occur.

Short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol may be prescribed for rapid relief of symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. For COPD, other short-acting bronchodilators or combinations may also be used.

Asthma treatment recommendations have evolved, and asthma should not generally be managed with a short-acting bronchodilator alone. Current treatment approaches emphasize inhaled corticosteroid-containing therapy to address airway inflammation and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

If you find yourself needing your reliever medication more frequently than usual, talk with your healthcare provider. Increasing use can be a sign that your asthma or COPD is not adequately controlled.

Maintenance Inhalers for Asthma and COPD

Maintenance or controller medications are used to manage the underlying condition over time rather than simply relieve an immediate symptom.

Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, your provider may prescribe:

• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Help reduce airway inflammation and are an important component of asthma treatment.
• Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs): Help keep the airways open for an extended period and are often used in combination with other medications.
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs): Help relax airway muscles and are commonly used in COPD management.
• Combination inhalers: May combine two or more medications, such as an ICS/LABA or LABA/LAMA.
• Triple-therapy inhalers: Some patients may benefit from an inhaler containing an ICS, LABA and LAMA.

The appropriate medication depends on many factors, including whether you have asthma or COPD, the severity and frequency of symptoms, previous flare-ups and how you respond to treatment.

Oral Medications and Nebulizer Treatments

Some people with asthma or COPD may also be prescribed oral medications or medications delivered through a nebulizer.

These may include bronchodilators, corticosteroids or other medications intended to reduce inflammation, open the airways or help manage specific symptoms.

Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may sometimes be prescribed for exacerbations or worsening symptoms. Because these medications can have significant side effects, they should be taken only as directed by your healthcare provider.

Tips for Managing Asthma and COPD

Medication works best when it’s used correctly and consistently. These steps can help you get the most from your treatment plan:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed.
• Learn the proper technique for each inhaler you use.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to check your inhaler technique.
• Understand your asthma or COPD triggers and try to limit exposure when possible.
• Don’t stop or change maintenance medications without talking with your healthcare provider.
• Keep track of symptoms and how frequently you need reliever medication.
• Make sure you understand what to do when symptoms begin to worsen.

For people with asthma, having a personalized asthma action plan can also help identify worsening symptoms and clarify what steps to take.

When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?

Talk with your healthcare provider if you notice changes such as:

• Increasing shortness of breath
• More frequent wheezing
• Needing your reliever inhaler more often
• A persistent or worsening cough
• Difficulty sleeping because of breathing problems
• Reduced ability to perform normal activities
• More frequent asthma or COPD flare-ups

These changes may indicate that your treatment plan needs to be reassessed.

Seek emergency medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, symptoms that are rapidly worsening, blue or gray lips or skin, confusion, difficulty speaking because of shortness of breath, or symptoms that do not improve with your prescribed emergency treatment.

Keep a Breathing and Symptom Diary

Tracking your symptoms can provide useful information during appointments.

Consider recording:

• When breathing symptoms occur
• Possible triggers
• How often you use reliever medication
• Nighttime symptoms
• Changes in activity tolerance
• Asthma or COPD flare-ups

This information can help your healthcare provider determine whether your current treatment plan is adequately controlling your condition.

Primary Care Support for Asthma and COPD

Managing a chronic respiratory condition is an ongoing process. Medication reviews, proper inhaler technique, symptom monitoring and regular follow-up can all play an important role in keeping asthma and COPD under control.

If you have questions about your medications, are experiencing changes in your breathing or think your current treatment isn’t controlling your symptoms, contact Sensenbrenner Primary Care to discuss your symptoms and treatment plan.

This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace individualized medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a prescription medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

What’s the difference between asthma and COPD?
Asthma and COPD both affect breathing, but they are different chronic respiratory conditions. Asthma symptoms often vary over time and may be triggered by allergens, exercise, infections or environmental factors. COPD involves persistent airflow limitation and commonly includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What’s the difference between a rescue inhaler and a maintenance inhaler?
Reliever medications are intended to provide rapid relief when breathing symptoms occur. Maintenance or controller medications are designed to manage the condition over time and help prevent symptoms and flare-ups.

Can primary care help manage asthma and COPD?
Yes. Primary care providers can help diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions, review medications, evaluate symptom control, reinforce proper inhaler technique and determine when specialty care may be appropriate.

When should I talk to my doctor about my inhaler?
Contact your healthcare provider if you need your reliever medication more frequently, your symptoms are worsening, breathing problems interfere with sleep or normal activities, or you don’t feel your current treatment is adequately controlling your condition.