COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke.
Many people do not realise they have it. Most people with COPD do not have any noticeable symptoms until they reach their late 40s or 50s.
Symptoms of COPD
Common symptoms of COPD include:
- increasing shortness of breath - at first this may be when you exercise or wake up at night feeling short of breath
- a persistent chesty cough with phlegm that never seems to go away
- frequent chest infections
- persistent wheezing
The symptoms will usually get worse over time and make daily activities difficult. Treatment can help slow the progression.
Sometimes your symptoms might get suddenly worse. This is known as a flare-up. It's common to have a few flare-ups a year, particularly during the winter.
Other symptoms of COPD
Less common symptoms of COPD include:
- weight loss
- tiredness
- swollen ankles from a build-up of fluid (oedema)
- chest pain and coughing up blood - these could be signs of another condition, such as a chest infection or lung cancer
These other symptoms only tend to happen when COPD reaches a more advanced stage.
When to get medical advice
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP or hospital doctor if:
- you have persistent symptoms of COPD, especially if you're over 35 and smoke or you used to smoke
There are several conditions that cause similar symptoms.
These include:
- asthma
- bronchiectasis
- anaemia
- heart failure
A breathing test can you help find out if you have COPD.
There is currently no cure for COPD. But getting treatment as early as possible can reduce your risk of severe lung damage.
