Asthma and COPD are both respiratory conditions that make it difficult to breathe. In asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Allergies, exercise, or irritants in the air often trigger this inflammation. COPD, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a long-term lung condition primarily caused by smoking. It causes progressive airway narrowing, making breathing harder over time. Both asthma and COPD affect the ability of the lungs to let air in and out correctly, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.