Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome Treatment Clinic in Webster TX

At Primary Care Center of Clear Lake, we often care for patients who experience both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When these conditions occur together, it’s called Asthma-COPD Overlap, or ACO. Individuals with ACO can experience symptoms of both diseases—such as chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness—which can be more severe than having either condition alone.
 
Asthma usually involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways that can change over time, often triggered by allergies or irritants. In contrast, COPD causes persistent, progressive airflow limitation, most commonly linked to long-term smoking or exposure to harmful substances. When these conditions overlap, patients may face more frequent flare-ups, increased risk of complications, and a greater decline in lung function.
 
Management typically combines treatments for both asthma and COPD. This may include inhaled corticosteroids to ease inflammation, bronchodilators to keep airways open, and personalized lifestyle recommendations, such as quitting smoking and avoiding environmental triggers.
 
Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring lung function and adjusting treatment plans to keep symptoms under control. Early diagnosis and ongoing management can help reduce hospitalizations, prevent complications, and maintain a better quality of life.

Living with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can raise questions and concerns about your long-term health and life expectancy.
 
Asthma Management and Life Expectancy

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways, but with proper medical management and lifestyle adjustments, most people with asthma can lead full, active lives. When you partner with our providers at Primary Care Center of Clear Lake, we’ll help you:

• Identify and avoid asthma triggers
• Use inhaled medications as prescribed
• Monitor your symptoms closely
• Adjust your treatment plan as your needs change
 
Understanding COPD and Its Impact

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a progressive lung disease most often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke. Life expectancy with COPD can vary widely, depending on how early it’s diagnosed and how well it’s managed.
 
The earlier we can diagnose and begin managing your COPD, the better your outlook. Even for those with more advanced COPD, proactive management at our practice can help reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life, and potentially extend your life expectancy.
 
Regular visits with your primary care provider are the cornerstone of effective asthma and COPD management. By working closely with our experienced team, you benefit from:

• Early intervention and timely adjustments to your treatment
• Preventive care to avoid complications
• Education on lifestyle changes that support lung health
• Support for other health concerns that may affect your breathing
 
At Primary Care Center of Clear Lake, we’re dedicated to helping you breathe easier and live well. Together, we can create a personalized plan to manage your condition and enhance your quality—and length—of life.

ACO is a serious lung condition that combines features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with ACO often experience persistent breathing difficulties, chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Compared to having asthma or COPD alone, ACO can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups and may be harder to manage without specialized attention.
 
The seriousness of ACO lies in its increased risk for hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and higher chances of complications. At our practice, we recognize that early diagnosis and personalized treatment are key to managing ACO effectively. Our experienced primary care providers offer a range of treatment options, including inhaled medications and close monitoring, to help control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

Both COPD and asthma affect the airways, but require unique approaches for effective management. Your treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs:
 
Inhaled Medications: We prescribe and educate you on the proper use of inhaled medications, which are the cornerstone of both COPD and asthma management. These include:

• Short-acting bronchodilators (like albuterol) for quick relief of symptoms.
• Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, especially important for asthma.
• Long-acting bronchodilators (such as tiotropium or salmeterol) for ongoing COPD management.
 
Personalized Care Plans: For persistent asthma, we often recommend a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. For patients with COPD, we focus on long-term bronchodilator therapy and may add inhaled steroids if symptoms are frequent or severe.
 
Trigger Management & Lifestyle Support: Our team works with you to identify and minimize triggers—such as allergens and irritants. For COPD patients, we provide resources and support for smoking cessation, which is a vital part of improving your lung health.
 
Additional Services for COPD:

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: We can refer you to programs that combine exercise, education, and support to enhance your quality of life.
Oxygen Therapy: For advanced COPD, we assess your need for supplemental oxygen.
 
Asthma-Specific Support:

Allergy Management: If allergies worsen your asthma, we offer allergy testing and can discuss immunotherapy options.
 
Education: We provide hands-on training to ensure you use your inhaler correctly and follow your asthma action plan.
 
Preventive Care: We recommend and administer vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease to help prevent serious respiratory infections.
 
Ongoing Monitoring & Education: Regular follow-ups help us track your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. We emphasize medication adherence and inhaler technique at every visit, so you get the maximum benefit from your treatment.

At Primary Care Center of Clear Lake, your COPD care is guided by the expertise of Dr. Niraj Choudhary, MD, and Dr. Smriti Choudhary, MD. As board-certified physicians in internal medicine and obesity medicine, they bring over 20 years of experience to the community, focusing on treating chronic conditions like COPD.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they provide a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Their comprehensive care for COPD often includes the management of related conditions like asthma and hypertension, as well as specialized services such as weight management.

By choosing our clinic, you are entrusting your health to dedicated physicians who are committed to your long-term well-being and a healthier quality of life.
 
At Primary Care Center of Clear Lake, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need for better breathing and a better quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of asthma or COPD, contact us today or schedule an appointment and start your personalized care journey. We are conveniently located at 13920 Osprey Ct, Suite C, Webster, TX 77598. We serve patients from Webster TX, Bacliff TX, Dickinson TX, Seabrook TX, League City TX, Clear Lake City TX, and surrounding areas.