Signs and Symptoms of COPD

The main symptoms of COPD are listed by the NHS as:

• early morning "smoker's cough";
• persistent coughing;
• mucus and phlegm;
• wheezing;
• tight chest;
• difficulty breathing;
• shortness of breath;
• recurring lung and chest infections.

The NICE guidance also lists wieght loss, effort intolerance, waking at night, ankle swelling and fatigue as further signs of COPD.

People with severe COPD will find it increasingly difficult to carry out simple tasks and activities.

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