In the early stages of the disease, you may not notice the symptoms. COPD can develop for years without noticeable shortness of breath. You begin to see the symptoms in the more developed stages of the disease.
The following are some of the symptoms of COPD:
- Increased breathlessness
- Constant coughing (with and without sputum)
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Constant clearing of the throat
Many individuals brush off the symptoms as a sign of aging, but these symptoms (shortness of breath in normal activities and constant coughing) are not natural signs of aging. Coughing with or without sputum is not always COPD, however. That’s why it is important that you talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Ask your doctor about taking a spirometry test.