Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that makes it harder to breathe over time. About 16 million Americans live with COPD, but it affects millions more who aren’t aware they have it.
That’s often because symptoms can start mild and feel like another condition or even a seasonal virus.
While COPD has no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
Take a moment as our team of primary care providers explains five common signs of COPD and how Select Family Practice and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, can help you manage this chronic condition.
It’s one thing to feel short of breath after sprinting around a track, but it shouldn’t happen walking to the mailbox. If you’re short of breath during everyday activities, take note of it.
COPD is notorious for causing shortness of breath — it’s often the first symptom people notice — because narrowed airways and damaged lung tissue make it harder to move air in and out.
Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe. It’s caused by narrowed or inflamed airways and may be accompanied by symptoms like chest tightness.
Other conditions, such as asthma and viral illnesses, can contribute to wheezing. In either case, don’t brush off wheezing.
If you catch colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia more than usual, COPD could be weakening your lungs’ natural defenses.
When your lungs can’t supply enough oxygen to your body, you may feel unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep. This lack of oxygen can make everyday tasks exhausting.
A cough that lingers for months, particularly one that produces mucus, can signal underlying lung disease. With COPD, the cough is how your body tries to clear mucus from the airways.
If you notice these symptoms — especially if you’re a current or former smoker — don’t wait to seek care. The team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care can perform lung function tests, recommend treatments to improve your breathing, and help you manage flare-ups.
Even if COPD isn’t the cause of your symptoms, our team can help you find relief from these symptoms, whether that’s addressing asthma (a common cause of wheezing) or thyroid issues (a common cause of fatigue).
If COPD is the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend:
The right treatment plan can help you manage COPD symptoms to stay active and breathe easier.
If you’re concerned about your lung health, call us at 919-676-0202 or request your appointment online today.
