Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Constipation
Mild
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
COPD
Moderate
3
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive problem characterized by infrequent bowel movements, hard or dry stools, difficulty passing stool, or a feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied. It may be temporary or chronic and can result from diet, inadequate fluid intake, reduced activity, medications, changes in routine, or underlying medical conditions.
COPD
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common long-term lung disease that makes it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis, which causes long-term inflammation and mucus production in the airways, and emphysema, which damages the air sacs of the lungs. Many people have features of both conditions. COPD can cause persistent cough, mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath and reduced ability to stay active. Lung damage caused by COPD is usually permanent, although treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms and slow further damage.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Constipation HeartburnOnly in Right Disease
Chest Pain Chest Tightness Dry CoughCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Poor Diet Sedentary LifestyleOnly in Right Disease
Autoimmune Disorder Genetics Infection StressDiagnosis
Constipation
Constipation is usually diagnosed from symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, and medical history. Physical examination may be performed, and additional blood tests, imaging, colon evaluation, or other tests may be considered when symptoms are persistent, severe, unusual, or associated with warning signs.
COPD
COPD is diagnosed from a medical history, symptoms and physical examination together with tests of lung function. The healthcare provider will ask about smoking and other exposures, cough, mucus production, breathing difficulty and activity limitations. Pulmonary function testing, particularly spirometry, can measure how well air moves through the lungs and help determine the degree of airflow obstruction. Additional tests such as chest imaging, oxygen measurements and blood tests may be used when needed to assess the lungs, identify complications or look for other causes of breathing problems.
Prevention
Constipation
Regular physical activity, adequate dietary fiber, sufficient fluids, and responding to the urge to have a bowel movement can help prevent constipation. Medication-related constipation may sometimes be reduced by reviewing medicines with a healthcare professional. People with persistent symptoms should seek evaluation for underlying causes.
COPD
Not smoking prevents most cases of COPD. People who smoke should consider quitting and should avoid secondhand smoke. Reducing exposure to workplace dust, chemical fumes, indoor smoke and outdoor air pollution can also protect the lungs. Good ventilation is important when cooking with fuels that produce smoke. Vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19 can help reduce respiratory infections that may worsen COPD. People with COPD should also follow their healthcare provider’s treatment plan, remain appropriately active and avoid known triggers that make breathing symptoms worse.
Risk Factors
Constipation
Risk factors include a low-fiber diet, inadequate fluid intake, physical inactivity, older age, changes in routine, pregnancy, frequent use of certain medicines, and conditions affecting the nervous system, muscles, hormones, or digestive tract. Previous episodes of constipation may also increase recurrence. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean that a person will develop the condition.
COPD
Important risk factors for COPD include current or past cigarette smoking, long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace dusts and chemical fumes, and repeated exposure to smoke from poorly ventilated cooking fires. Increasing age also raises the likelihood of developing COPD because the condition usually develops during middle age or later. A family history of COPD or inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also increase risk. Repeated respiratory problems and other factors that damage the lungs may contribute to disease development or worsening.
Treatment
Constipation
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
COPD
Treatment comparison will be available soon.