Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Symptoms

Symptoms

A chronic cough can be an early warning of COPD. Variable amounts of mucus, usually clear, are produced. Less frequently, shortness of breath is an initial symptom if COPD. Usually shortness of breath comes on gradually and may be attributed to being out of shape or aging. People with this symptom walk slowly, and sometimes cannot walk and talk at the same time without shortness of breath. Bronchial irritations such as cold, dry air may increase shortness of breath. Often wheezing becomes apparent. As COPD progresses, shortness of breath occurs with even light amounts of activity and, eventually, even when people are at rest.

Some COPD patients suffer from low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) and may require oxygen therapy. Common symptoms of hypoxemia include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Morning headache
• Depression
• Confusion
• Poor nighttime sleep with awakenings