Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is characterized by a longstanding (chronic) obstruction to air flow out of the lungs. It can take different forms and have different symptoms. Symptoms of COPD can also vary in severity. Symptoms include

• a chronic cough,
• shortness of breath, and
• frequent respiratory infections.

Other possible symptoms can include

• finger clubbing,
• wheezing,
• exercise intolerance (inability to exercise or reduced ability to exercise),
• chest tightness,
• cough productive of sputum, and
• coughing up blood.

The advanced stages of COPD can lead to symptoms like swelling of the feet and ankles, bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes (cyanosis), morning headaches, and weight loss.

Causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is cigarette smoking and/or exposure to cigarette smoke. Other causes include air pollution, infectious diseases, and certain genetic or inherited conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Other copd symptoms and signs

• Bluish Discoloration of the Skin and Mucous Membranes (Cyanosis)
• Chest Tightness
• Cough
• Coughing Up Blood
• Exercise Intolerance
• Fatigue
• Finger Clubbing
• Frequent Respiratory Infections
• Morning Headaches
• Shortness of Breath
• Sputum Production
• Swelling of the Feet and Ankles
• Weight Loss
• Wheezing