What are the symptoms of COPD?
- Cough is usually the first symptom to develop. It is productive with phlegm (sputum). It tends to come and go at first, and then gradually becomes more persistent (chronic). You may think of your cough as a 'smokers cough' in the early stages of the disease. It is when the breathlessness begins that people often become concerned.
- Breathlessness ('short of breath') and wheeze may occur only when you exert yourself at first (for example, when you climb stairs). These symptoms tend to become gradually worse over the years if you continue to smoke. Difficulty with breathing may eventually become quite distressing.
- Sputum. The damaged airways make a lot more mucus than normal. This forms sputum (phlegm). You tend to cough up a lot of sputum each day.
- Chest infections are more common if you have COPD. Wheezing with cough and breathlessness may become worse than usual if you have a chest infection. Sputum usually turns yellow or green during a chest infection.
What's the difference between COPD and asthma?
Asthma and COPD cause similar symptoms. However, they are different diseases. Very briefly:
- In COPD there is permanent damage to the airways. The narrowed airways are 'fixed', and so symptoms are chronic (persistent). Treatment to 'open up the airways' is limited.
- In asthma there is inflammation in the airways which causes muscles in the airways to constrict. This causes the airways to narrow. The symptoms tend to 'come and go', and vary in severity from time to time. Treatment to reduce inflammation and to 'open up the airways' usually works well.
Both asthma and COPD are common, and some people have both conditions.
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carol, about 1 year
how do i tell my kids that i have done this to myself when i have always told them about drugs and self harm
Report this commentMaxine, about 1 year
I have suffered from asthma for 14 years and have recently been diagnosed with COPD. I have been a smoker since the age of 13 i am now 44! I have been taking Champix for 10 days and have stopped smoking and I'm amazed how much better I am already. Just wanted to say that if I can stop smoking then in my opinion anyone can with help. Its so easy to start smoking but its hell trying to stop as I know but Champix is the best so far as I have tried everything else.
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Angie, 4 months
I also used Champix and thought it was good to start with. But after 9 months I found it really hard to stop taking. (Irritable, moody,tearful.......) When I stopped taking them for good, the fags came back! Stupid I know. Anyway, the good news is I only smoked again for a month then went 'cold turkey.' Still not smoking 2 years later.Don't even want one! They got me into this mess in the first place!
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