Lung Association of Saskatchewan - Breathe Easy: A Guide to Living With COPD

The main symptom of COPD is shortness of breath accompanied by a cough or wheezing.

DO I HAVE COPD?

I have been smoking for many years.

I have had bouts of "asthma" or "bronchitis".

I have a chronic cough or heavy sputum (phlegm).

I have morning "smoker's cough".

My colds last for weeks, not days, and I have at least one prolonged episode of "bronchitis" every winter.

I frequently feel breathless during an ordinary activity--I often put this down to just being "out of shape".

My cough has changed--it feels more shallow, as though something is stuck inside my chest.

I feel that there's been a change in my breathing.

If you answered "yes" to two or more of the above statements, and if you are over 40 years old, it is advisable to see your physician.

Table of Symptoms

Severity of COPD	Chronic Bronchitis Dominating	Emphysema Dominating
MILD	Coughing and sputum for more than three months for two consecutive years	Possibly no early signs
MODERATE	Shortness of breath from moderate exertion Coughing and increased sputum Recurrent chest infections or bronchitis	Shortness of breath from moderate exertion
SEVERE	Severe shortness of breath Coughing and excessive amounts of sputum Wheezing Recurrent infections Fluid build-up (swelling at the ankles) and blue appearance to the skin	Severe shortness of breath Barrel-shaped chest

What is COPD?

The Causes of COPD