COPD - Symptoms

·         COPD - Symptoms

·         Excess mucus (phlegm or sputum) can be a symptom of COPD. It is normal for the breathing tubes to produce several ounces of mucus a day. Mucus is needed to keep the breathing passages moist. This mucus is normally swallowed without even knowing that you are doing so. However, when the lungs are infected or bothered by irritants, they try to protect themselves by producing more mucus than normal, which often makes you cough.

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·         A cough is common with COPD. Coughing can be a result of the lungs trying to remove extra mucus (phlegm or sputum) or it can be a way for the breathing tubes to protect themselves from inhaled irritants. Coughing is a good thing when it moves mucus out of the lungs because if large amounts of mucus stay in the breathing tubes, it can prevent oxygen from entering into the blood or can result in pneumonia.

 

Severe COPD can cause other symptoms, such as swelling in ankles, feet, or legs; weight loss; and lower muscle endurance.

·         Reference:
ATS PATIENT INFORMATION SERIES & PATIENT HEALTH SERIES
http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/signs-and-symptoms-of-copd.pdf

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