The main two symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are a cough and breathlessness. However, there may be other symptoms including:
> Cough – this is often a persistent cough which produces mucus/sputum.
> Gradually worsening shortness of breath (dyspnoea). Often first noticed after exercise / exertion. “I just can’t catch my breath”.
> Wheezing
> Chest tightness
> Fatigue / lethargy / tiredness
> Weight loss
Signs and symptoms of COPD can be very variable and will depend on lots of individual factors. Most treatment of COPD is aimed at reducing the signs and symptoms and improving quality of life for patients as unfortunately there is no cure currently for COPD.
If you are concerned about any signs or symptoms of COPD you should speak to a healthcare professional.