Chronic respiratory diseases can significantly affect people's quality of life. Among the best-known are asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which, due to their characteristics, require proper management.

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the airways (bronchi), causing them to swell and narrow. This makes breathing difficult and manifests with symptoms such as wheezing (whistling when breathing), difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing, which usually occur in episodes or attacks. These symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity, affecting more commonly at night or early in the morning. During an attack, airway obstruction may be reversible, but if left untreated, it can become permanent. Symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, and may be accompanied by an abnormal breathing pattern where exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that causes damage and inflammation in the lungs, primarily the airways, limiting the flow of air in and out. It is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, pollution, dust, or chemicals. COPD includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Its main symptoms are shortness of breath (especially during physical exertion), a persistent cough with mucus production, wheezing, and a feeling of chest tightness. Unlike asthma, the obstruction in COPD tends to be less reversible and develops progressively. There may also be exacerbations, periods when symptoms worsen, usually caused by infections or environmental irritants.

Asthma and COPD in numbers

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),Currently, there are approximately 235 million people worldwide with asthma, a disease that cannot be cured, but which, with proper diagnosis and treatment, can be controlled.

They warn that if urgent measures are not taken, deaths from asthma will increase significantly in the next 10 years.

On the other hand, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. In 2021, it caused 3.5 million deaths, representing approximately 5% of all deaths worldwide. Almost 90% of COPD deaths in people under 70 occur in low- and middle-income countries.

It is worth noting that smoking accounts for more than 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries, smoking accounts for 30-40% of cases, and indoor air pollution is a major risk factor.

How can we improve them?

Knowing that they are chronic diseases, we must learn to live with them and devise several strategies to improve them. Among them we recommend some, endorsed by entities such as the Mayo Clinic, the WHO and current studies on chronic respiratory diseases:

Control breathing:

Keep the airways clear:

Perform physical activity regularly:

Healthy diet:

Avoid smoking and polluted environments:

Pulmonary rehabilitation:

Use of oxygen therapy if prescribed:

Frequent medical follow-up:

Psychological and social support:

These measures contribute to improving the physical, emotional and social quality of life of people with asthma and COPD, allowing them to lead a more active life with less symptoms.

You should also always consult with your medical team to personalize your management plan.