Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a term used to describe various chronic lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases cause the tubes and the air sacs in the lungs to become blocked, which reduces airflow. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with COPD.Chronic CoughCOPD sufferers typically suffer from an ongoing cough that produces large amounts of mucus or phlegm. Some COPD patients have prolonged coughing jags if the mucus is hard to bring up. Because the leading cause of COPD is smoking tobacco products, this cough is commonly known as a "smoker's cough."Breathing ProblemsCOPD causes various breathing problems, including a chronic shortness of breath. This symptom typically worsens with any type of physical activity. Many COPD sufferers also wheeze when they inhale and have difficulty exhaling.Frequent Respiratory InfectionsPatients who suffer from COPD frequently come down with the flu, colds or pneumonia. A respiratory infection can trigger a COPD exacerbation, or a rapid worsening of symptoms. Sufferers might cough up even more mucus than usual. The mucus might be thicker or a different color than normal.Symptoms of Severe COPDPatients with severe COPD usually experience a chronic tightness in the chest area. Most sufferers feel constantly fatigued and are rarely able to exercise. Some patients experience increased dizzy spells and morning headaches. Severe COPD sufferers often must sleep on a stack of several pillows or in a chair to avoid shortness of breath.Very Severe COPD SymptomsVery severe cases of COPD frequently causes sufferers to experience swelling in their legs, feet or ankles, a medical condition known as edema. Many patients also develop a bluish tint to their lips, toes or fingers due to drastically low blood oxygen levels. Once a patient's lung function drops below 50 percent, they often suffer from chronic respiratory failure because the carbon dioxide remains in their lungs.COPD symptoms typically don't appear until after the lungs have already suffered from significant damage. Because there is currently no cure for COPD, these symptoms generally worsen over time.