Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

What Are The Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

There are a range of symptoms that frequently occur in those suffering from COPD. These include:

Coughing

In many cases the first sign of any issues with the lungs is a cough; sometimes occasional, but more commonly chronic; meaning it will not go away. If a cough persists for more than three months each year for two or more years it can be defined as Chronic Bronchitis. This can occur before COPD fully develops and the type of cough can change quite swiftly from a dry, unproductive cough, to one that produces lots of sputum or phlegm. Many people describe their cough as similar to that of a smoker, even if they themselves have never smoked. In a lot of cases these symptoms can appear to be very similar to those of the common cold, or even a mild bout of influenza, however they do not reduce after the cold or flu has been treated.

Shortness of breath

A reduction in the ability to take sufficient oxygen into the lungs can cause breathlessness – in a great deal of cases this is the symptom that triggers a visit to the doctor. Some people describe the feeling as “requiring effort to breathe” when previously breathing had been something that they did not even need to think about. In some cases shortness of breath only occurs after exercise, but as the disease progresses it is likely that less effort will be required before breathlessness occurs – in severe cases the sufferer may not be able to breathe effectively without support or treatment such as oxygen therapy.

Depending on the nature of the obstruction, some patients find it harder to breathe out than to breathe in, and in many cases wheezing can be heard during breathing – sometimes this can be heard even without the need for a stethoscope.

Chest infections

Those suffering from COPD are likely to suffer from more frequent chest infections than those without the condition. This happens as a result of the damage within the lungs making them more susceptible to infection, alongside a general weakening of the patient and their immune system.

Some of the less common symptoms of COPD include:

• Weight loss
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Oedema – a swelling of the ankles as a result of a build-up of fluid
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood

These symptoms are more prevalent in the later stages of the disease and in some cases can be synonymous with other conditions. No matter how severe your symptoms might be, if you have any suspicion that your lungs might not be working as well as they should, no matter what the reason is, you should contact your doctor. While the condition is far more common in those who smoke or have smoked, there is no guarantee that abstaining from smoking can protect you from COPD.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your COPD claim – either by calling us free on 0800 122 3130, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choice, to discuss your situation.

We’re here to help – contact us today.