COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is the number one cause of sickness and death across the globe. COPD is a lung disease that is composed of two or more lung conditions, such as chronic Asthma and emphysema. The symptoms that the patient experiences depend on the disease that is most prominent. Recognizing the symptoms of COPD is an important part of controlling the disease and preventing further lung damage. Healthcare professionals work with patients to choose the best treatment options for their symptoms.Difficulty BreathingThe most common sign and symptom of COPD is difficulty breathing. COPD patients experience a shortened or obstructed flow of air which makes for shortness of breath and labored breathing. Patients typically have the most trouble exhaling air from their lungs. Patients experience shortness of breath that fluctuates in severity. On occasion, symptoms flare, making breathing increasingly difficult. While difficulty breathing is a symptom of COPD, it cannot be considered a warning sign. Once a patient begins having trouble breathing, significant lung damage has already taken place.Coughing and WheezingPatients with COPD experience chronic coughs with wheezing. Coughs and wheezing vary in severity for COPD patients. If the patient experiences a flare-up, these symptoms increase and worsen. An increase in mucus and saliva coughed up from the lungs is also common. Changes in mucus include increased thickness and stickiness. Patients will notice mucus that is green or yellow in color. Some COPD sufferers notice blood in their mucus when they cough. Other SymptomsWith shortness of breath and lack of oxygen, COPD patients experience an overall feeling of illness and fatigue. Patients also experience trouble concentrating and forgetfulness and trouble sleeping. It is not uncommon for COPD sufferers to experience swelling of the legs or ankles or sudden and rapid fluctuations in weight, which include weight gain or loss. Headaches and light-headedness and dizziness are also common.ConsiderationsSymptoms of COPD are different for every patient. The primary symptoms experienced depend on the lung disease that is affecting the patient the most. Smoking is the number one cause of COPD. Smoking and second-hand smoke greatly exacerbates symptoms and cause further lung damage in COPD patients. It is vital for smokers to quit to avoid the onset of COPD or worsening of symptoms.