Worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the number-one cause of death and illness, according to the Mayo Clinic. COPD is a group of diseases that leads to irreversible lung damage. Everyone loses some lung function and capacity during the aging process, but those with COPD have decreased capacity and function at an earlier age. The loss of lung function can lead to a whole host of complications. The sooner COPD symptoms are recognized, the sooner treatment can focus on decreasing symptoms and reducing the risk of further damage.
Coughing & Mucus Production
One of the earliest symptoms is a chronic and productive cough. The lungs become inflamed in early COPD. Inflammation causes an increased production of mucus that can range from clear to yellow in color. The National Institutes of Health indicate that this cough is also known as a "smoker's cough." In the early stages this cough is noticeable only in the morning, but then develops into a cough that lasts all day, according to HealthCommunities.com, a physician-monitored and -supported health website. If the mucus buildup becomes too thick, it can lead to coughing fits and coughing up blood.
Altered Breath Sounds
With COPD, the mucus in the lungs narrows the airways. As someone breathes in and out, the air rushes through the smaller spaces and causes a high-pitched wheezing sound. This wheezing can be heard with or without a stethoscope.
Decreased Oxygen Exchange
The most noticeable symptom of COPD may be shortness of breath. Increased mucus production and declining function of the lungs make it harder for the alveoli, tiny air sacs only one cell thick, to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen. At first, this shortness of breath is only obvious with physical exertion, leading to people avoiding or decreasing physical activity. HealthCommunities.com indicates that this decline continues to the point of difficulty breathing while at rest.
Enlarged Lungs
The body attempta to compensate for the loss of lung function by increasing in size. This increase in lung size causes other changes in the body, like the expansion of the chest muscles and displacement of the diaphragm. The enlarged chest wall appearance, according to HealthCommunities.com, is also known as a barrel chest. The compression and displacement of the diaphragm does not allow this muscle to contract correctly, further adding to the problem of respiration and a decrease in oxygen exchange.
Increased Risk of Infection
The combination of inflammation and enlargement of the lungs leads to them being more vulnerable to attack from germs and bacteria. This leads to more chronic infections from the cold and flu, as well as pneumonia and bronchitis.
