Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized primarily by irreversible airflow limitation. It develops slowly and is often accompanied by emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The disease mainly affects middle-aged and elderly people, especially long-term smokers and those with occupational exposure. With increasing age, lung function declines annually, and the harm of COPD gradually worsens.

Globally, COPD prevalence is higher in developed countries such as the United States and Germany, mainly related to smoking habits and air pollution. In Southeast Asian countries such as China, India, and Vietnam, factors such as biomass fuel, industrial emissions, and high smoking rates also contribute to a growing patient population, making COPD a key focus in chronic disease management.

Detailed Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

1. Worsening Chronic Cough

Cough is one of the earliest symptoms, initially appearing as intermittent morning cough, later developing into persistent all-day coughing. In severe cases, it may even disrupt sleep at night.

2. Frequent and Viscous Sputum

Most patients have sputum production, initially clear sputum in the morning. As the disease progresses, sputum volume increases, color changes to yellow or grayish-white, and it becomes more viscous and difficult to expectorate, indicating worsening infection.

3. Gradually Increasing Dyspnea

At first, shortness of breath occurs only during strenuous activity or climbing stairs. Later, even walking on flat ground or doing light work causes dyspnea, and in advanced stages, breathlessness is present even at rest.

4. Chest Tightness and Pressure

Some patients complain of chest tightness, which becomes more pronounced on days with significant temperature fluctuations or severe air pollution, limiting daily activities.

5. Chronic Fatigue and Weakness

Long-term insufficient oxygen intake slows metabolism, causing persistent fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced work and life quality.

6. Poor Sleep Quality

Due to nighttime coughing and breathlessness, patients often struggle to enter deep sleep, frequently waking up, leading to poor daytime energy and a vicious cycle of fatigue.

7. Abnormal Breath Sounds

On auscultation, doctors may hear wheezing or crackles, indicating airway obstruction, secretions, or inflammation, serving as an important diagnostic clue.

8. Noticeable Chest Shape Changes

In advanced stages, some patients develop barrel chest, widened intercostal spaces, flattened ribs, and reduced chest wall movement during breathing, indicating worsening emphysema.

9. Emotional Fluctuations and Depression

Due to chronic and recurrent symptoms, patients may develop anxiety or depression, further reducing tolerance to the disease and adherence to treatment.

Conclusion

Symptoms of COPD are diverse and progressive, often overlooked by patients, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that middle-aged and elderly individuals, long-term smokers, and occupational exposure groups should undergo regular lung function tests, recognize symptoms early, and seek timely intervention to improve quality of life and delay disease progression.