Symptoms & Complications
The symptoms of COPD depend on the severity of the disease. Mild cases of COPD may cause very few symptoms. As the disease progresses and continues damaging the lungs, symptoms may become more severe. The damage to the lungs makes it difficult to supply the body with the oxygen it needs, which causes many of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of COPD are the following:
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Damage to the lungs may make it difficult to breathe and to catch your breath. In mild to moderate cases, this shortness of breath may only occur during physical exertion and strenuous activities. In severe cases of COPD, shortness of breath may occur during normal activities, and is usually worse during physical exertion or external stresses (cold weather).
Chronic Cough with Mucus
Chronic bronchitis inflames and irritates the lining of the airways, which can lead to a chronic cough with mucus.
Wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound caused by air traveling through narrowed airways obstructed by mucus.
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Frequent colds and respiratory infections
Excess mucus in the airways can increase the risk of infections such as pneumonia and the flu. These infections may be more difficult to clear, and increase the risk of COPD exacerbations.
COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time as the lungs are damaged. As the disease progresses, the symptoms may get worse, and the following symptoms may be present.
Fatigue
A lack of oxygen can cause fatigue and lack of energy.
Morning Headaches
Damaged lungs can cause too much carbon dioxide to build up in the blood while sleeping, causing morning headaches.
Bluish Lips and Nails
When the body does not get enough oxygen, the blood may turn from red to blue. Bluish lips and nails are a sign that there is not enough oxygen in the blood.
Inflammation of the feet and lower legs
Inflammation of the lower extremities may be a sign of heart failure. When the lungs are damaged, the heart has to work harder to meet the body's oxygen requirements. Over time, this can damage the heart and can cause blood to pool in the extremities.
Barrel Chest
Over time, as the alveoli are destroyed, air can become trapped in the lungs and the lungs need to take in more air to meet the body's oxygen requirements. This can cause the ribcage to become stretched out, a condition known as "barrel chest".
Weight Loss
When the lungs don't work properly, the body has to work harder to breathe and burns more calories.
Hypoxia
Hypoxia occurs when the body does not get enough oxygen. Over time, hypoxia can lead to more serious complications such as high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.
COPD Exacerbations
A COPD exacerbation is a sudden flare-up of COPD symptoms. During a COPD exacerbation, breathing becomes more difficult and symptoms get much worse. A COPD exacerbation may occur in response to an infection or irritation. COPD exacerbations can cause the disease to progress faster and may require additional medications, supplemental oxygen or a hospital stay, including admission to an ICU, in severe cases.
