What are the symptoms of COPD?

A cough may produce mucus, and breathing can sound wheezy or feel tight. Breathlessness may first appear during walking, stairs, or other exertion, then become more noticeable during ordinary activities. Some people tire easily or have repeated periods when cough and breathing symptoms suddenly worsen. Symptoms can overlap with asthma, chest infections, heart conditions, and other causes of breathlessness. A pattern over time, smoking or inhaled-irritant exposure, and examination help a clinician decide what testing is needed. COPD symptoms should not be self-diagnosed from a cough alone.

Arrange a Chronic Disease Review or GP assessment if cough, phlegm, wheeze, or breathlessness keeps returning. Spirometry measures how air moves in and out of the lungs and may help clarify the cause. If you smoke, a Smoking Cessation Programme can support stopping. Prescribed Inhaler Therapy may ease airflow symptoms when a clinician considers it appropriate; use inhalers exactly as taught and have technique checked.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak in full sentences, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain. Prompt assessment is also needed when a usual cough suddenly becomes much worse, fever accompanies increased phlegm, or an inhaler prescribed for relief is not helping. Do not wait for a routine review if breathing is deteriorating.

Ask whether spirometry is suitable, what might be triggering symptoms, how to recognise a flare, and how to use each inhaler. Tell the clinician about smoking, workplace dust or fumes, activity limits, night symptoms, and changes in mucus.