The hallmark symptom of COPD is shortness of breath that gets worse over time. It is often accompanied by a phlegm-producing cough and episodes of wheezing. Symptoms may vary, however, or others may be present, depending on the disease involved. Many patients have symptoms of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Typically, the first symptoms of emphysema occur in heavy smokers in their mid-50s:
Some patients with inflammatory bowel disease have significant symptoms outside of the gastrointestinal tract. These extra-intestinal... Read more »
In Part I we talked about how your doctor figures out if you have COPD or if it is asthma or pneumonia instead. Here in Part II we will... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Diseases with Similar SymptomsSeveral diseases have similar symptoms and may occur with COPD.Acute BronchitisA virus usually causes acute bronchitis.... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
The appropriate medications for COPD depend on its stage of severity, which is determined by the symptoms. The Global Initiative for Chronic... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Other IrritantsQuitting smoking is the first and most essential step in treating COPD and slowing its progress. In many... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can include fluid in the chest (pleural... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodulesSymptomsShortness of breathCoughChest painFeverAdditional symptoms that may be associated with... Read more »