5 Early Signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two breathing disorders at the source of a serious health condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Many patients have elements of both disorders contributing to their diagnosis. 

COPD leaves you short of breath with even minor exertion. You may have a long-lasting cough that produces mucus for three months or more. Breathing may be noisy, including wheezing and other sounds. 

To top it off, COPD causes damage to your lungs. It’s not reversible and worsens over time. Treatment includes symptom management and slowing progression of the condition.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC, in Monroe, New Jersey, specializes in diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Our goal is to help you reach a state where your symptoms are well-controlled and the progression of your condition gets halted. 

Part of your success depends on recognizing COPD in its earliest stages, where interventions can make a big difference. Today, we present five early signs of COPD so you can be aware of this condition. 

1. Chronic coughing

A persistent cough can occur for numerous reasons. It’s a potential COPD warning sign when you’ve got a chest cough that produces mucus and lasts for longer than two months, the threshold of a chronic cough diagnosis. 

Coughing is a protective process that expels irritants from the lungs. These irritants are typically cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, or environmental pollutants. A long-lasting cough may be the first sign of COPD you notice. 

2. Heavy mucus production

The irritants you inhale directly cause an increase in mucus production, which is an immune system response to protect your body. You always have a protective layer on the inside of your respiratory system. 

It’s a sticky trap for irritants like smoke, dust, allergens, and other airborne debris. Tiny hairs on the walls of your respiratory system move mucus and debris out of your body. 

3. Fatigue

The extra effort necessary to supply your body with oxygen when you have COPD may rob you of energy otherwise used to navigate through your day. Breathing difficulties may also interfere with the restfulness of your sleep at night. 

4. Shortness of breath

While it’s normal to breathe more heavily when you’re playing or working harder, if it starts to take less effort to run out of breath, it could be the beginning of COPD. Consider this when you’re feeling winded because of activities you once took for granted. 

5. Chest pressure

When your chest feels tight with deep breaths, you could be experiencing the effect of COPD. You may feel as though you’re unable to take deep breaths, which may seem to come and go in episodes. COPD symptoms can get worse during flare-ups. 

If you notice one or more of these early signs of COPD, contact us at Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC in Monroe, New Jersey, to assess your symptoms. Reach out by phone or online to book your visit today.