Emphysema happens when the tiny sacs in your lungs (called alveoli) are damaged. Chronic bronchitis is when the tubes that carry air to your lungs (bronchial tubes) get inflamed. Smoking is the most common cause of those conditions (and COPD).
Some people have asthma and COPD at the same time. If you have symptoms of both diseases, your doctor may call it asthma-COPD overlap syndrome.
People who smoke or breathe in pollution or chemicals at work for many years have higher chances of having COPD. That's why the condition often starts in middle age or later in life.
Asthma is sometimes caused by gene changes that are passed down through families. If one of your parents has the disease, you're more likely to have it. Symptoms often start in childhood.
Since asthma and COPD both make your airways swell, they both can cause shortness of breath,coughing, and wheezing.
One main difference is that asthma typically causes attacks of wheezing and tightness in your chest. COPD symptoms are usually more constant and can include a nasty cough.
To figure out which condition you have, your doctor will start with a physical exam and questions about your medical history. They’ll look at your nose and throat and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor will also want to do a test called Spirometry that checks how well your lungs work.