Asthma and other diseases

Questions

Is asthma related to other chronic diseases, such as rheumatism and diabetes?

Is asthma a psychological (psychosomatic) disease?

What is the difference between asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease)?

Is emphysema the same as asthma?

Answers to your questions

Is asthma related to other chronic diseases, such as rheumatism and diabetes?

Chronic rheumatism can affect the lungs, but not in the form of asthma. Long-term treatment with corticosteroid tablets (e.g. for asthma) can provoke diabetes, but inhaled corticosteroids taken directly into the lungs have not been shown to have this effect. Many people with asthma can experience symptoms from the nose such as rhinitis and some also suffer from polyposis. Otherwise, there is no connection between asthma and other chronic diseases.

Is asthma a psychological (psychosomatic) disease?

No, asthma is not a psychological condition, it is a long-term (chronic) inflammatory disease that leads to extra-sensitive and easily irritated airways, especially when it is not properly treated.

Although asthma is not a psychological condition, emotional stress can trigger the symptoms. For example, financial problems, not enjoying your work or worrying about your family can all help to trigger asthma symptoms.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease)?

COPD is a collective name for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, two diseases that are almost always caused by smoking. Many of the symptoms of COPD are similar to those of asthma (e.g. breathlessness, wheezing, production of too much mucus, coughing). COPD is generally a more serious disease than asthma, because the changes in the airways are much more difficult to treat, and it usually has a worse outcome. Unfortunately, COPD can cause greater long-term disability and have a greater effect on the heart and other organ systems than asthma.

Is emphysema the same as asthma?

No, emphysema is different from asthma, although some of the symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty in breathing, may seem similar. Emphysema is a disease in which the cavities in the lungs have been irreversibly damaged by external factors, such as smoking or severe air pollution. Some people are more likely to develop emphysema than others, and there are hereditary forms of the condition.

Asthma is a condition caused by inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs, in which the cavities in the lungs are usually normal. Asthma attacks can be triggered by factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke or cold air, or by an allergy to pollens or dust mites.

Both emphysema and asthma involve inflammation, but the type of inflammation and the parts of the airways and lungs that are affected are very different. It is possible to have both emphysema and asthma, but this is rare and it is much more common for emphysema to be combined with chronic bronchitis than with asthma.