Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. and is increasingly common.
There's no cure for COPD but while it can cause disability and early death, the good news is that it's often preventable and treatable.
Patients with COPD often have shortness of breath because the flow of air into and out of the lungs is inhibited due to airways becoming inflamed and thicken, which makes less oxygen available for use by the body.
Don't dismiss shortness of breath as just getting older! It can be a symptom of COPD or other lung diseases.
The earlier COPD is diagnosed the more treatable it is, so it's important to recognize the symptoms.
Symptoms of COPD to look for include:
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath during everyday activities
- Fatigue
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
- Producing a lot of mucus or phlegm
If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to tell your doctor. Remember, early diagnosis is important!
