Can Asthma Turn into COPD?

Many people wonder if long-term asthma can eventually develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While asthma and COPD are distinct conditions, there is a connection between the two, especially in individuals with poorly controlled asthma or long-term exposure to lung irritants like smoke and pollution.

Key Differences Between Asthma and COPD

• Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease that causes reversible airway obstruction, often triggered by allergens or irritants.
• COPD is a progressive disease that leads to permanent airway damage, most commonly due to smoking or chronic exposure to pollutants.
• When Can Asthma Lead to COPD?
• Uncontrolled Asthma Over Many Years: Chronic airway inflammation can contribute to long-term lung damage.
• Exposure to Smoking or Pollutants: Asthma patients who smoke or have high exposure to environmental toxins are at increased risk of developing COPD-like changes.
• Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS): Some individuals develop features of both diseases, requiring specialized treatment.

Signs That Asthma Might Be Progressing Toward COPD

• Persistent shortness of breath, even when asthma is well-managed
• Frequent exacerbations requiring steroids or hospital visits
• Decreased lung function over time, confirmed by pulmonary function tests

How to Prevent Long-Term Lung Damage

• Control Asthma Early: Proper use of inhalers, avoidance of triggers, and allergy treatment can prevent airway remodeling.
• Avoid Smoking and Pollutants: If you have asthma, smoking significantly increases the risk of COPD.
• Regular Lung Function Monitoring: Spirometry tests can help detect changes in lung health before symptoms worsen.

Personal Anecdote

A longtime patient of mine had asthma since childhood but was also a smoker for 20 years. Over time, his asthma became less responsive to treatment, and lung function tests showed irreversible damage. He was diagnosed with ACOS. After quitting smoking and starting a combination of asthma and COPD medications, including Dupixent, he regained better control of his breathing and his decrease in lung function has been arrested.

Final Thoughts

While asthma doesn’t “turn into” COPD, long-term airway inflammation and exposure to harmful substances can lead to irreversible lung changes. Early and consistent asthma management is key to preventing long-term damage and maintaining healthy lung function.

What are you waiting for?  If you or your child need help controlling allergies or if you think you need testing or treatment or that you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and her team staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help. Call for testing or treatment today!

Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now!  Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm.

Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies.  Buy it NOW!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.