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What is COPD? Symptoms to Know

COPD which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of progressive lung disease. The most of common symptoms of this group of diseases are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions are common among people with COPD.

Bronchitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, allowing mucus to build up and making it difficult to breath. Emphysema slowly destroys air sacs in your lungs, which interferes with outward air flow.

It is possible to have COPD and not know. As many as 30 million people in the United States are said to have COPD, and up to half are unaware that they have it. Untreated COPD can lead to a faster progression of other serious complications, such as heart problems and worsening respiratory infections.

Symptoms of COPD?

A significant symptom of COPD is having difficulty breathing. Symptoms may be mild at first, starting with intermittent coughing and shortness of breath. As it progresses, symptoms can be more constant where it becomes harder to breathe.

You may experience wheezing and tightness in the chest or have excess sputum production. Some people with COPD have acute exacerbations, which are flare-ups of severe symptoms.