Chronic lung disease is sometimes mistaken for asthma
But more than two million people are living undiagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the term given for a group of chronic lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive airway disease.
Experts suggest this could be because COPD is easily mistaken for asthma as both conditions display similar symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, medics argue what is going on within the body is quite different.
Recent figures also show the number of people dying early as a result of COPD in the UK is double the rate compared to the rest of the EU.
But doctors say early diagnosis and treatment of the disease may help to slow the progression of COPD and reduce the number of people dying.
Giving the right support to people with COPD can improve their quality of life
People suffering with COPD can have difficulty breathing which in some cases can make everyday tasks like getting dressed or making breakfast enormously challenging.
Anshu Bhimbat, pharmacist at Lloyds Pharmacy, said: “Although the symptoms of asthma and COPD are similar, the cause is very different.
“If someone with COPD has chronic bronchitis their airways will become swollen and filled with mucus. The same biologically is true for people with asthma, however, it will be a reaction to a trigger such as cigarette smoke, pollen, pet hair or dust.
"Unlike those with COPD who may experience symptoms at any time, although they can still worsen through exposure to the same triggers.
“If someone with COPD has emphysema, the air sacks in their lungs will be damaged and the lungs will struggle to return to their normal shape once exhaled, causing them to become swollen.”
Experts say typically asthma occurs in childhood whereas COPD is not diagnosed until later in life
Experts said typically asthma diagnosis occurs in childhood whereas those with COPD are usually not diagnosed until aged 40 or older.
This is because COPD is often a result of years of smoking, causing the disease to slowly progress over time.
Smoking is also attributed to about 85 to 90 per cent of COPD cases but it can also be caused by air pollution or exposure to chemicals or secondary smoke. A small portion of COPD cases are caused by a genetic defect, known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT).
Treatment of COPD can slow the progression of the disease however lungs damaged by the condition cannot return to normal.
Medics say smoking can cause COPD
Medics argue support for people with COPD can have a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing and improve their quality of life. Those with asthma often lead a normal life and symptoms can be controlled well if diagnosed early and with the appropriate treatment.
Lloyds Pharmacy recommends helping people with COPD to quit smoking will help to reduce the rate at which the disease progresses.
They also suggest taking an online COPD Assessment to help you and your healthcare professional measure the impact COPD is having on wellbeing and daily life.
The experts added: “Asthma is the most common condition in children and helping them to understand and practise their inhaler technique will lead to more effective treatment of the condition and symptoms. Approximately 70 per cent of people with asthma use inhalers incorrectly.
"Identifying triggers will help people with Asthma act fast and stop symptoms from getting worse.”