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Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two of the most common respiratory illnesses, affecting more than 34 million Americans. These conditions can’t be cured, but medication and healthy lifestyle changes can ease symptoms and prevent them from worsening. At IMPACT Practitioner Services, LLC, in Fort Pierce, Florida, advanced practice registered nurse Kelli Kraaz, APRN, specializes in diagnosing and treating asthma and COPD. As a mobile provider, she visits patients’ homes and offices to manage these conditions. Call IMPACT Practitioner Services, LLC today to schedule asthma & COPD treatment, or book your appointment online.
Can you explain the difference between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Asthma and COPD are both chronic respiratory illnesses, but they have distinct differences.
Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory illness that causes your airways to swell and produce excess mucus. The extra mucus and reduced ability to access oxygen can interfere with your breathing and make activities like walking and exercising difficult.
COPD
COPD also affects your ability to breathe. However, it’s caused by long-term exposure to irritating substances, like cigarette smoke or toxic gas.
What are the symptoms of asthma and COPD?
Asthma and COPD symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Increased phlegm production
These symptoms can occur at any time, but they’re most noticeable during exercise and other physical activities.
When should I see a medical professional about asthma and COPD?
Request a home health care appointment with Kelli if you think you have asthma or COPD. That’s especially true if you experience frequent coughing or wheezing and it doesn’t improve with rest and activity modification. Both asthma and COPD worsen with time, so the sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications.
How are asthma and COPD diagnosed?
Kelli diagnoses asthma and COPD during a house call to your home or office. Upon arrival, she reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and listens to your heart and lungs with a digital stethoscope.
How are asthma and COPD treated?
Kelli uses a patient-centric, personalized approach to treat asthma and COPD. She may recommend:
- Long-term asthma control medications
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Combination inhalers
- Leukotriene modifiers (oral medications that relieve asthma symptoms)
- Bronchodilators (medications that relax the airways)
Most folks with COPD and asthma also benefit from healthy lifestyle changes.
Call IMPACT Practitioner Services, LLC, today to schedule asthma and COPD treatment, or book your house call online.