Symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a kind of obstructive lung disease. It is caused when the airways become narrow and the lung tissue breaks down. The primary cause for COPD is long exposure to external irritants like tobacco smoke and air pollutants. A small percentage of COPD cases also occur due to hereditary reasons. The following are some of the symptoms of COPD:

Productive Cough

A productive cough is the most common symptom of COPD. Productive cough is categorized as cough which produces mucus and is also called wet cough. Since such a cough also results from the common cold, patients often wait beyond the recommended time, often resulting in disastrous consequences. Any productive cough which is more than a week old may be a symptom of COPD and should be immediately seen by a Lung Specialist.

Chronic Cough

The medical jargon diagnoses any cough, which stays for more than 3 months every year for 2 consecutive years, as chronic bronchitis. Most cases of COPD are preceded by cases of chronic bronchitis. Such cases of COPD are often mistaken as “smokers cough”.

Breathlessness

Feeling short on breath is another symptom noticed in those suffering from COPD. This condition is usually the most irritating for the COPD patients as they are short on breath and energy for carrying out the daily activities. 

Wheezing

Wheezing is defined as a low whistling sound which accompanies breathing. Typically seen in asthmatic patients, wheezing should not be taken lightly as it is another major symptom of COPD. The sound is produced due to the obstruction of the airways.

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide and claims more than 3 million people annually. Any of the above symptoms should promptly lead to an appointment with a Lung Specialist. One of the top COPD Treatment Centers which you can visit is Respiratory & Sleep Cure Solutions in Gurgaon.