How to Recognize the Early Signs of COPD

November is COPD Awareness Month and an important step in helping the estimated 18 million Americans living with the undiagnosed condition to learn the symptoms and begin treatment.

The sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD refers to several chronic lung diseases that limit airflow in and out of the lungs. These include emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. COPD is a chronic disease that worsens over time as the damaged lung tissue does not repair itself. However, early diagnosis can lead to treatment that can slow the progression of the disease, improve symptoms, reduce the need for hospital stays out of hospital, and lead to a longer life.  

Common early symptoms of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath after exertion or, in severe cases, after minimal exertion or even at rest

• A lingering cough with or without mucous

• Wheezing

• Tightness in your chest

• Weight loss

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue

• A blue tinge to the skin caused by insufficient oxygen

• Reoccurring lung infections like acute bronchitis or pneumonia

It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience all these symptoms to have COPD.

In addition, COPD can develop slowly over time. As the disease progresses, symptoms often get increasingly worse. Very often, people find themselves cutting back on their day-to-day routines and activities in response to symptoms, which has the unfortunate effect of further reducing lung function.

Again, there are ways to manage and treat COPD. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can begin a treatment plan to keep your lungs as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Diagnosing COPD involves a simple, non-invasive breathing test called spirometry. Other measures used to confirm a diagnosis include:

• a physical examination

• medical history

• gas transfer and lung volume tests

• blood tests

• sputum analysis

• chest x-ray

• computed tomography (CT) scan.

If you’re diagnosed with COPD, treatment options may include medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. While treatment will not repair damaged lung tissue, it can help slow the disease’s progress and prevent further loss of lung function.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or are concerned about COPD, contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment to be evaluated. 

Disha Geriani, MD specializes in pulmonary medicine and critical care at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.