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Asthma / COPD

Jeffery Tun, MD Our Services Asthma / COPD

Jeffery Tun, MD

Primary Care Physician located in Midtown East, New York, NY & Forest Hills, NY

Respiratory diseases, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interfere with your ability to breathe comfortably. At his office in Midtown East, Manhattan in New York City, Dr. Tun diagnoses and treats asthma and COPD to improve your respiratory function. Some people even have overlapping asthma-COPD symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis helps ensure you receive the appropriate treatment for your condition. Call Jeffrey Tun, MD, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Asthma / COPD Q & A

What are asthma and COPD?

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, are conditions that affect the lungs and airways. Both conditions share many similarities, but they affect different parts of the respiratory system. Identifying your exact condition allows Dr. Tun to create a treatment plan that targets your exact symptoms and health concerns.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

The main differences between asthma and COPD are:

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes your airways to narrow and produce excess mucus, interfering with your ability to breathe. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may experience coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 

Some individuals only have mild asthma symptoms during exercise or allergy season. Others experience symptoms regularly and need everyday treatment. 

COPD

COPD is actually a group of diseases that obstruct airflow in the lungs. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common types of COPD. 

Emphysema occurs when the alveoli, small air sacs in the lungs, rupture and prevent oxygen from circulating through the bloodstream. Chronic bronchitis inflames the bronchial tubes that transport air to and from the alveoli. While each condition can occur independently, many people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

What is asthma-COPD overlap syndrome?

Some individuals experience symptoms of asthma and COPD. Physicians don’t yet understand the cause of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACO), but they know that it can be more serious than having one of the conditions. People with ACO tend to have reduced lung function than those with asthma or COPD alone.

Smoking cigarettes if you have asthma is one of the most prominent risk factors for ACO, so smoking cessation can significantly reduce your chances if you already have asthma or COPD.

What are the treatments for asthma and COPD?

If you have asthma, COPD, or ACO, Dr. Tun can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your symptoms. The most common treatments for asthma and COPD include:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids
  • Leukotriene modifiers
  • Combination inhalers
  • Bronchodilators
  • Regular exercise
  • Smoking cessation
  • Air pollution avoidance
  • Healthy eating habits

To learn more about asthma and COPD, call Jeffrey Tun, MD, today or schedule an appointment online.

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