Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Symptoms
A type of lung disease marked by permanent damage to in the , making it hard to breathe. includes chronic , in which the (large air passages) are inflamed and scarred, and , in which the (tiny air ) are damaged. It develops over many years and is usually caused by cigarette smoking. Also called COPD.
Part of:
Symptoms of COPD
At first, COPD may cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, symptoms usually become more severe. Common signs and symptoms of COPD include:
An ongoing or a that produces a lot of (often called “smoker’s “) Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe) tightnessIf you have COPD, you also may have or the () often.
Not everyone who has the symptoms above has COPD. Likewise, not everyone who has COPD has these symptoms. Some of the symptoms of COPD are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and conditions. Your doctor can find out whether you have COPD.
If your symptoms are mild, you may not notice them, or you may adjust your lifestyle to make breathing easier. For example, you may take the elevator instead of the stairs.
Over time, symptoms may become…