What Are the Symptoms of COPD?
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Early symptoms can be subtle and easily dismissed, but it's important to be aware of them for early diagnosis and management. One common symptom is shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. You might notice feeling out of breath climbing stairs, walking uphill, or even during light housework. This breathlessness often comes on gradually and worsens over time. Another early sign is a chronic cough that produces mucus (phlegm). This cough may be particularly troublesome in the mornings and can be persistent throughout the day. The mucus itself may be clear, white, yellow, or greenish.
As COPD progresses, symptoms become more noticeable and can significantly impact daily life. You might experience wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe. Chest tightness, a feeling of constriction in your chest, can make it difficult to take a deep breath. Frequent respiratory infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia, are also common in COPD. These infections can worsen existing symptoms and lead to flare-ups, periods of increased breathlessness, phlegm production, and chest tightness.
