Warning Signs of COPD

COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is a progressive disease. Progressive means that it can’t be reversed. The hope is that, with early diagnosis, the person with COPD can slow the progression of their disease.

What are the types and warning signs of COPD

There are multiple conditions that fall under the umbrella of COPD:

• Emphysema
• Bronchitis
• Genetic COPD which is called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

There are also many warning signs associated with COPD. Does this apply to what you are experiencing? You may only experience one or two, or you may experience ten of these:

• Shortness of breath (SOB) and not knowing why
• Unable to talk
• Having frequent respiratory infections
• Difficulty sleeping
• Confusion
• More frequent headaches
• A feeling of anxiety has increased
• Increased heart rate
• Exercise is getting harder to do without getting short of breath
• You could have some muscle loss
• Changing appetite
• A chronic cough just doesn’t go away
• There is more mucus, (phlegm) than before
• The wheezing or noisy breathing that seems to be coming from a tighter chest.
• Swelling of feet, ankles or leg happens more often. This is called edema.
• Blue tinge in fingernails, toenails and sometimes even lips.

What kind of doctor should you see for COPD?

If you are seeing a GP (general physician), an IM (internal medicine) or a PA (physician’s assistant) as your regular doctor, you may need to see that doctor first. They should then refer you to a pulmonologist, who is a lung doctor. Some pulmonologists might not need a referral, so you may be able to skip that step. Your doctor will then test you to see if you have COPD or another condition.

Should everyone be tested for COPD?

That depends on the doctor’s recommendation. Were any of the following part of your environment? Smoking or second-hand smoke, pollution, chemicals. If you have a history of inhaling toxins, being in an environment that is harmful, or even have the physical symptoms of COPD, or have a history of smoking, then you should be tested. Does COPD run in your family? You should be tested for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, too.