COPD Symptoms

Most people with COPD have smoked at least 10-20 cigarettes per day for 20 or more years before experiencing any symptoms. Thus, COPD is typically not diagnosed until the fifth decade of life (in people aged 40-49 years).
 
Common signs and symptoms of COPD are as follows:

• A productive cough or an acute
  
• Breathlessness or being short of breath (called dyspnea) is the most significant symptom, but it does not usually occur until the sixth decade of life (in people aged 50-59 years).
  
  
• Wheezing is a musical, whistling, or hissing sound with breathing. Some people may wheeze, especially during exertion and when their condition worsens. 

The following may occur as COPD worsens:

• Intervals between acute periods of worsening of dyspnea (exacerbations) become shorter.
  
  
• Cyanosis (discoloration of the skin) and failure of the right side of the heart may occur.
  
  
• Anorexia and weight loss often develop and suggest a worse prognosis.

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommends the following clinical staging of COPD severity according to lung function: 

• Stage I is FEV₁ of equal or more than 50% of the predicted value.
  
  
• Stage II is FEV₁ of 35-49% of the predicted value.
  
  
• Stage III is FEV₁ of less than 35% of the predicted value.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

Anonymously share your comment to help others.
See 4 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review