People can experience COPD in different ways depending on which symptoms trouble them most and how severe they are. COPD is a progressive illness meaning it has several stages of severity. It tends to creep up on people slowly. This means it can often be several years before symptoms reach a level that will make the sufferer go to the GP. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath are often attributed to getting older.
The earlier COPD is diagnosed and treated the greater the chance of preventing it developing into severe COPD!
Mild COPD
- Frequent coughing sometimes with mucus (phlegm)
- Mild breathlessness from physical work or brisk walking
Moderate COPD
- Coughing becomes more frequent and more mucus is produced
- Breathlessness occurs more often from activities such as physical work or brisk walking
- A cold or chest infection can last for several weeks
Severe COPD
- Increased coughing and production of mucus
- Difficulty breathing
- You can no longer go to work or carry out household chores
- Difficulty climbing a stairs or crossing a room
- Tire very easily