Long-term exposure to particulate matter, including nicotine, through smoking can lead to a range of lung diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used for a range of pneumonia diseases that result in the obstruction of airflow from the lungs.
According to Mayo Clinic, medical conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two common conditions that contribute to the development of COPD. In addition, people who suffer from the medical condition are likely to have a higher risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer.
It’s important to note that COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse if left untreated. Its detection at an early stage can reduce the risk of developing associated conditions. Now, in a recent interaction with HT Digital, Dr. Jeenam Shah, a consultant thoracic surgeon and interventional pulmonologist at Bhatia Hospital Mumbai, the early signs of COPD that can help achieve good symptom control from the early stages.
Persistent cough
According to the medical expert, people with COPD often have an unexplained chronic cough that can probably last all day. If you have a persistent cough for more than four to eight weeks, you should seek medical attention, as this may be an early indicator of COPD.
Mucus in the lungs
In addition to coughing, COPD also results in an increased production of mucus called phlegm in the lungs. If the mucus is yellow or green in color, it indicates the presence of some kind of childhood infectious pneumonia in the body, one of which could be COPD.
Breathlessness
Another early sign of COPD is shortness of breath. If you feel tired and easily fatigued after hiking or climbing, it probably means your lungs are weakened.
Lose weight
If you are not dieting or are trying to lose weight intentionally, but find that some unexplained phenomenon has led to you losing a few grams, this could be one of the first signs of COPD. The doctor explains that shortness of breath can sometimes lead to unexplained weight loss.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are taken from different articles. The website does not guarantee 100% accuracy of all facts)
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