Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Overview

Signs And Symptoms Of COPD

The symptoms of COPD tend to appear after the significant damage has occurred to the lungs, and the symptoms progress, especially if the patient continues to smoke. The symptoms of COPD include wheezing, a tight chest, a chronic cough that may produce mucus, recurrent respiratory infections, lack of energy, and shortness of breath, especially during any physical activity.

As COPD progresses, it may cause other symptoms such as unintended weight loss, cyanosis, and swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. Patients may also experience exacerbations, which means their symptoms to worsen for a few days at a time.