Asthma Versus COPD
Asthma and COPD, while related, are not exactly the same. Each condition has its own underlying pathology and set of causes and contributing factors. However, their similarities lie with the effects of inflammation on the airways and in the lungs. The symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath and chronic coughing are also common to both conditions. COPD is considered an irreversible and progressive airway disease, while asthma can be chronic or acute and even resolve with age.
Asthma can cause chronic pulmonary symptoms which rescue inhalers are not well-suited to resolve. Treatment of these lasting symptoms require longer acting medications. Likewise, as COPD progresses, restriction of the airway increases. The underlying issues causing the wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and coughing involve inflammation of the airway and muscular spasm (bronchospasm) which further constricts the air passages.These life threatening conditions require intervention.
How Spiriva Works
Because Spiriva (tiotropium bromide) treats the underlying cause of long-term airway obstruction commonly seen in asthma and COPD, individuals with both conditions often achieve measurable symptom relief. Bronchospasm is an involuntary tightening of the muscles lining the airways and lungs which results in airway constriction. Spiriva is a bronchodilator, acting on the smooth muscle receptors in the airway. This smooth muscle lines the airway and gut, and is responsible for “automatic” bodily functions like breathing and digestion. The active ingredient in Spiriva, toitropium bromide, helps to relax this muscle. This effect is called bronchodilation: a “relaxing” of the bronchi and smaller branches known as bronchioles in the respiratory tract. Excess mucous production also stops the movement of air into the alveoli, or lung sacs, where the air exchange with your bloodstream takes place. Spiriva acts to reduce mucous production in these areas, and these two combined effects result in symptomatic relief.
Symptom Relief With Spiriva
Bronchodilators like Spiriva can be either long-acting or short-acting. Spiriva is not used as a “rescue inhaler” for acute attacks of asthma, because it is a long-acting medication. However, the advantages of this type of long-acting bronchodilator on COPD and asthmatic conditions are well studied and acknowledged by the medical community. Their efficacy has been observed in clinical trials, and the trust the prescribing physicians have for these types of medication comes from experience. Patients report marked ease in breathing, and a return to activities they had long abandoned due to their difficulty breathing. As always, you should consult with your primary physician and pulmonologist before starting Spiriva. As a long-acting, 24-hour anticholinergic bronchodilator, Spiriva can help you to manage your COPD symptoms and literally breathe easier.
Help With COPD Prescription Costs
The combination of drugs COPD patients usually take to manage their symptoms can be prohibitively expensive. Even with insurance, prescription assistance programs can be remarkably helpful in managing this cost. If you take Spiriva as your long-acting bronchodilator, RX Solution can help with the cost of your medication. If you are an uninsured or under-insured American who is struggling to pay their prescription medication bills, The RX Solution is here for you. We believe that no one should have to choose between the rent and their medications; our company helps take the financial stresses of prescription medication off of your shoulders by expediting the approval process for many different prescription assistance programs. To find out if you qualify, give us a call today at (888) 823-0042 or visit us at our contact page.