Obstructive lung diseases are those that cause reduced air flow due to temporary or permanent obstruction of the airways. The two primary types of obstructive lung diseases are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both diseases are common in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 23 million Americans have asthma and at least 10 million have COPD. Obstructive lung disease symptoms reflect the effects of insufficient air flow and airway inflammation.
Cough
Cough is a characteristic symptom of obstructive lung disease. With asthma, dry cough is often intermittent, occurring with an acute asthma attack. However, "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" points out that dry cough may be a persistent symptom with cough-variant asthma. The cough associated with COPD is chronic and productive, meaning phlegm is frequently coughed up. The American Thoracic Society explains chronic irritation of the airways with COPD causes increased mucus production by the lungs.
Wheezing
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology notes wheezing is a characteristic symptom of asthma. This symptom typically occurs with an asthma attack, which causes narrowing of the airways. People with COPD also experience wheezing. COPD causes narrowing of the airways due to persistent inflammation and associated swelling.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath occurs with both asthma and COPD. With asthma, breathlessness typically occurs only during an asthma attack. With COPD, shortness of breath is more persistent. Early in the disease, physical exertion may precipitate breathlessness. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath may be nearly constant, notes the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Chest Tightness
Chest tightness is a hallmark symptom during an asthma attack, advises "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." This symptom also occurs on a chronic basis with COPD, which includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Chronic Fatigue
According to National Jewish Health, chronic fatigue is a common symptom of COPD. Persistent air-flow obstruction causes the body to be in a chronic state of relative oxygen deprivation, which causes fatigue and lack of energy.
Morning Headaches
"The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports that people with severe COPD often wake up with a headache. During sleep, respirations are slower than during waking hours. In someone with COPD, this can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide and a drop in oxygen content in the blood during sleep. These changes during the night can precipitate morning headaches.
Unintentional Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss can occur with severe COPD. Chronic, progressive airway obstruction increases the work of breathing. The increased energy required to maintain adequate breathing can precipitate weight loss, according to National Jewish Health.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is COPD?
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: COPD Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Asthma
