Most Common Signs and Symptoms of COPD

2

Early Warning Signs

The symptoms of COPD will start off subtle and might not be noticeable to the average person. If left untreated, they will become worse overtime. The Lung Association lists the following as the most common symptoms of COPD:

• a cough that lasts a long time (longer than 3 months)
• a cough with mucus
• feeling short of breath
• lung infections (the flu, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, etc) that may last longer than other people
• wheezing
• fatigue
• tightness in the chest

The problem with COPD is that the symptoms often resemble other common respiratory illnesses like a cold or asthma, or even just natural aging. This is why many people ignore them, but feeling tired all the time isn’t normal. In addition to that, you shouldn’t become winded just from walking up the stairs or performing normal, everyday tasks. Go see a doctor if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms.

3

Serious Symptoms of COPD

Since COPD is a progressive, chronic disease, the symptoms will only become worse and more severe over time. They will not go away or get better on their own. If left untreated, those subtle symptoms that resembled a nagging cough will become much worse and bring a slew of serious complications with them. Many of which will affect your respiratory system.

Later stages of COPD will result in symptoms like:

• extreme fatigue
• swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
• unexplained weight loss

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• blue or gray fingernails or lips which is due to low levels of oxygen in the blood
• trouble catching your breath, so much so that you have trouble speaking
• feeling confused or faint
• racing heartbeat

4

How to Treat COPD

This disease can be tricky to diagnose so it’s important that you go see a doctor instead of trying to self-diagnose. Many smokers are wrongly diagnosed with this condition. On the other hand, lots of people have COPD, but are not diagnosed until the disease has become quite advanced.

In order to diagnose COPD, a doctor will ask about your history with cigarette smoking, chemical fumes, or exposure to any other chemicals that could have irritated the lungs. You’ll then have to undergo several tests in order to draw a definitive diagnosis. These tests may include:

• lung (pulmonary) function tests: to measure the amount of air you inhale and exhale, and whether or not the lungs are delivering enough oxygen.
• chest X-ray: can show emphysema, one of the main causes of COPD.
• CT scan: can help detect emphysema to determine whether or not you will need surgery. They can also check for lung cancer.
• arterial blood gas analysis: to measure how well the lungs are bringing oxygen into your blood and removing carbon dioxide.
• laboratory tests: to help determine the cause behind your symptoms and to rule out any other conditions.

Thankfully, a COPD diagnosis is not the end of the world. Most people have mild forms of this disease and require very little therapy. For the most part, all they need to do is quit smoking.

More advanced stages of this disease will require smoking cessation, as well as medication to relax the muscles in the airways, or lung therapies such as oxygen therapy or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

The most common types of medication are:

• bronchodilators
• inhaled steroids
• combination inhalers
• oral steroids
• phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
• theophylline
• antibiotics

There are also additional therapies that can be used to help treat any moderate to severe cases of COPD.

• oxygen therapy: supplies supplemental oxygen for people who do not have enough oxygen in their blood. There are portable devices so people can use it all the time wherever they go, while others will only use during specific activities or during sleep.
• pulmonary rehabilitation program: work with a specialist to gain educational information, exercise training, nutrition advice, and counseling. This can help improve your quality of life.

Talk to your doctor to find out which form of treatment would be best suited for you.

5

In Summary…

COPD is not a condition that can be ignored. If you suspect you have COPD, you must go see a doctor. While it’s important to recognize the symptoms, you cannot self-diagnose. Go talk to a doctor about any possible symptoms, your medical history, and whether or not you have any family members with a history of this disease.

Your doctor will likely have to perform a number of different tests in order to make a definitive diagnosis. You will may undergo a pulmonary function test, CT scan, arterial blood gas analysis, or chest X-ray.

If you are diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will talk to you about what your options are in terms of treatment. First and foremost, people who smoke will be advised to quit smoking. For mild cases of COPD this may be enough. In moderate to severe cases, you’ll have to take medication in combination with additional lung therapies like oxygen therapy or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Now that we’ve covered all the warning signs of COPD, should you ever notice them, do not let them linger. If you think you’re exhibiting symptoms of COPD, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. While it’s not curable, if COPD is caught in the early stages, it can be treated to reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis is key in order to enjoy a longer and healthier life.

Share This Article