The Subtle Warning Signs of COPD

The warning signs are so subtle, it's ridiculous. Taking a look back, I can remember each and every warning sign. Collectively together, and many years later, it all makes sense. I didn’t know that the consequences of my actions would leave me chronically ill.

The early days of smoking

In the beginning, it was the ease of inhaling smoke into my lungs. It felt so good and seemed to release all the pressures of my day. Then, upon the exhale we became artistic as a large plume of the smoke came out in shapes of hearts and O’s. Oh, I will never get over that feeling of inhaling and exhaling smoke from my lungs. There will never be a better feeling in this world.

Smoking seems to speed up my metabolism and I really like the new me that is about 10 pounds lighter. I, in fact, am more willing to push back food for another cigarette anytime.

The start of an addiction

Then the gentle reminders begin. My body starts telling me when I need another cigarette. I gladly oblige convincing myself that I am not in too deep yet and can certainly quit anytime I choose. Ha Ha. It’s the biggest lie ever!

Fast forward about 5 years and with continually smoking, a clearing of the throat action is normal. It is subtle but each of us sounds a little different as we clear. It is in the middle of every sentence and every conversation and becomes a sound unique to each of us. Also developing is a little post nasal drip.

A cough and other early signs

After another 5 years and with continually smoking, a cough begins to develop. It’s really nothing major but it goes with the clearing throat that ends now with a slight cough. It clears the lungs a little deeper than the throat clearing and the sound becomes yours and yours alone. The postnasal drip becomes a bit more intense now.

Keep going for another 5 years and we are in deep. Now when I clear my throat and cough, I am producing a small amount of phlegm. Now I can never be without a Kleenex in my pocket and purse. My postnasal drip is increasing but not more annoying than the phlegm production.

My kids can now find me in any store or public place because my throat clearing and coughing has become a very predominant and unique sound. They just have to stay quiet for a minute and they know I will begin coughing in a minute or two.

Smoking is affecting every aspect of life

Panic sets in any time I am out of cigarettes or in a non-smoking environment. I am in deep now and it is now beginning to affect the very essence of my life. My phlegm production has increased from a teaspoon to a tablespoon now and has a brown color to it.

Decisions need to be made. I am becoming short of breath with exertion or any activity. I have not seen a doctor yet and I am still keeping it a secret. I don’t want anyone to know how these coughing bouts are affecting me because if I do, they will force me to quit. As I try to push past the shortness of breath, my heart now beats like a drum.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.