Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Early symptoms of COPD include:

• Coughing in the morning
• Coughing up clear sputum (mucus from deep in the lungs)
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath with activity

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Increased shortness of breath
• Choking sensation when lying flat
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Heart problems
• Weight loss
• Breathing through pursed lips
• Desire to lean forward to improve breathing
• More frequent flare-ups (periods of more severe symptoms)