Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Symptoms:

COPD occurs when either emphysema or chronic bronchitis are present. While emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two separate diseases, they share many symptoms in common.

• Excessive coughing or bronchitis-like ailments for more than three months for two consecutive years or for six months during one year

• Excessive phlegm (mucous) that is difficult to cough up

• Shortness of breath (particularly noticeable after exercise)

• Recurrent infections

• Expanded, barrel-shaped chest

• Wheezing

• Blue appearance of the skin

• Fluid backup, often causing edema (swelling) in the legs