ONE BREATH AT A TIME

Managing symptoms of asthma and COPD

WHEN BREATHING ISN’T EASY

Take steps to breathe easier and live better by learning more about asthma and COPD,
two chronic respiratory illnesses.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease affecting your lungs that causes repeated episodes of wheezing,
shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing during the night or early morning.1 Asthma
is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can have asthma too.1

People with moderate to severe or uncontrolled asthma are more likely to be

hospitalized from COVID-19. 2

An asthma attack occurs when an “asthma trigger” bothers your lungs. The attack occurs in
your body’s airways, which carry air to your lungs, causing the sides of the airways to swell,
shrink or get clogged with mucus. This makes it hard for air to get in and out of your lungs.

Common asthma triggers include:

• Tobacco smoke • Infections like the flu

• Dust mites • Cockroach allergens

• Outdoor air pollution • Pets

• Smoke from burning wood or grass • Mold

Here are some ways to manage and prevent asthma attacks:

• Asthma medicine comes in two types — quick relief and long-term control.
Be sure to take both as instructed by your health care provider.

• Avoid respiratory infections. Talk to your provider about which vaccines are
right for you, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Protect yourself from COVID-19 by following CDC and state guidelines.

 WHAT IS COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases that makes it hard to
breathe. COPD often includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.3 It’s caused by damage to
the lungs over many years, usually from smoking. Less air gets in and out of the lungs, which
makes you feel short of breath.

COPD makes breathing difficult for 16 million Americans.4

Your health care provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Together, you can
help reduce how often your symptoms occur and how severe they are.

Treatment options may include:3

• Quitting smoking. This is the most • Avoiding respiratory infections. Talk

important part of your treatment. Ask with your provider about which vaccines
your provider for help. are right for you.

• Avoiding tobacco smoke and other • Pulmonary rehabilitation. You can

air pollutants. learn breathing techniques, how to
conserve your energy and get advice
• Taking medications as prescribed by on diet and exercise.
your health care provider.

Tips for preventing COPD flare-ups:

• Take your medications as prescribed.3 • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Wash your hands frequently. • Call your provider if you have any
changes in cough or breathing.

Take your medications as prescribed — even when you’re feeling fine.

Work with your provider if you have any difficulty getting your prescriptions filled.

The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult with your doctor for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing and care recommendations.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Learn How to Control Asthma.” https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm. Page last reviewed: July 1, 2021. Accessed October 13, 2021.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “People with Moderate to Severe Asthma.” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/asthma.html#. Updated: April 7, 2021. Accessed October 13, 2021.
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Basics About COPD.” Last reviewed: June 5, 2018. Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health.
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What Is COPD?” Last reviewed: June 6, 2018. Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health.
 MAT ID 10/21