Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD usually begins as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The most common causes of these diseases are smoking and/or breathing in second-hand smoke. However, it is also seen in individuals who work in environments where there are a large number of lung irritants. These include air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. The smoke and dust particles irritate the lining of the lungs; leading to inflammation and the destruction of the air sacks or avioli.

Symptoms of COPD

The most commons COPD symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath Shortness of breath or dyspnea can occur with activities like exercise. However, as COPD progresses, shortness of breath can become more frequent and occur with smaller activities, including doing housework or getting dressed. Shortness of breath is considered very severe if an individual has trouble catching their breath or talking. During these episodes, the oxygen levels in the blood can decrease causing cyanosis or a bluish tint seen in the lips or fingernail beds.
• Wheezing Wheezing is high-pitched whistling sound that is made when breathing. It is caused by narrowing and inflammation in the airway. The narrowing could occur anywhere between the mouth and trachea to the bronchioles in the lungs.
• Chronic cough Coughing can be a symptom of less severe disease processes, including a cold and the flu. However, a recurrent cough that persists over several months can be a symptom of COPD.
• Coughing up sputum Sputum is a combination of water and mucous that can be brought up while coughing. Often, individuals with COPD will cough sputum up in the morning after waking up. Mucous with COPD is usually white, yellow, or green in color.

Exacerbation of COPD

Exacerbations, or short-term flare ups, can occur periodically. During these times, the usual COPD symptoms become much worse. These episodes can last for a few days. As the disease progresses, the exacerbations can become more severe and possibly require hospital intervention.

Top 5 Routes for "COPD Symptoms"

1. COPD Foundation The COPD Foundation website offers a place where individuals afflicted with the disease can obtain information and connect with others. It also offers information on current treatment plans and research.
2. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic is a non-profit health organization with campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. The Mayo Clinic website offers valuable information about a large number of disease processes, including COPD. It also offers suggestions about when to contact a physician and important questions to ask during appointments.
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Health offer information on this website about the signs and symptoms of COPD. It also offers coping information and links to videos describing the disease process.
4. American Lung Association The American Lung Association also offers information about COPD and the signs and symptoms associated with it. This website also offers a blog, news links and information about the latest research.
5. COPD.com COPD.com offers information about living with COPD and how to manage the symptoms. It also offers the latest news articles that are available and has information about local events and fundraisers. The website also offers a link where people can seek support and connect with other who are living with COPD.