COPD: Symptoms and Early Signs of the Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition in which air passes through the airways with difficulty. The disease develops over years, and the first signs are easily attributed to age or the effects of smoking. Therefore, it is useful to know how COPD manifests.

What Is COPD

COPD is a group of lung diseases in which airway patency is impaired. The underlying cause is damage to the bronchi and alveoli due to prolonged exposure to irritants: tobacco smoke, dust, chemical vapors. Inflammation makes the bronchial walls swollen, they produce more mucus, and the alveoli lose elasticity. As a result, air is trapped in the lungs, and breathing becomes harder. The disease usually progresses over time.

Early Signs of COPD

In the early stages, symptoms may be absent or mild. A cough often appears that does not go away, with a small amount of sputum. Shortness of breath occurs during usual activities — for example, when walking uphill. A person may attribute this to fatigue or smoking. However, if a cough lasts 3 weeks or longer, and shortness of breath appears during activities that were previously easy, this is a reason to think about lung health.

Main Symptoms: Cough, Sputum, Shortness of Breath

The cough in COPD is usually persistent, with production of mucous sputum. Over time, the amount of sputum may increase. Shortness of breath is a key symptom: at first it bothers only during exertion, but gradually it begins to be felt at rest as well. Wheezing and whistling during breathing, a feeling of chest tightness, and rapid fatigue are also possible. People with COPD are more likely to get respiratory infections. In severe cases, muscle weakness, weight loss, and leg swelling appear.

• A cough that does not go away, with sputum
• Shortness of breath during usual activity
• Wheezing or whistling during breathing
• Frequent colds and chest infections
• A feeling of air shortage

How Symptoms Change as the Disease Progresses

COPD progresses slowly. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild or absent. Over time, shortness of breath intensifies, the cough becomes more persistent, and more sputum is produced. In the severe stage, shortness of breath occurs even with minimal exertion or at rest. The disease can lead to limitation of physical activity and disability.

Exacerbations and Complications of COPD

Exacerbations are periods when symptoms sharply worsen. They can be triggered by respiratory infections, inhalation of smoke, strong odors, cold or hot air, pollen. During an exacerbation, symptoms intensify. Complications of COPD include respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic cor pulmonale.

When to See a Doctor and How the Diagnosis Is Confirmed

See a doctor if shortness of breath appears during activities that were previously easy, a cough lasts 3 weeks or more, or you frequently get chest infections. To diagnose COPD, the doctor will ask about symptoms, smoking, and working conditions, and will perform spirometry — a breathing test that measures the volume of exhaled air. A chest X-ray and blood tests may also be ordered. Spirometry helps detect obstruction: an FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% after bronchodilator inhalation indicates COPD.

The presence of COPD symptoms alone is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if severe air shortage appears — you are gasping for breath, cannot speak, feel squeezing or heaviness in the chest, pain radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, lips or skin become pale, bluish, or gray, or sudden confusion occurs.

This material is for reference purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer