Many symptoms of Covid often cross over with other respiratory illnesses such as COPD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus production and wheezing.
It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or, most often, from cigarette smoke.
People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and various other conditions.
Although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, it is treatable, and with proper management, most people can achieve reasonable symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated conditions.
Symptoms
COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time.
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
- Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
You may also be at a higher risk of developing COPD from exposure to tobacco smoke. The more years you smoke and the more packs you smoke, the greater your risk.
People with asthma also face a more significant risk of developing the illness as it too is a chronic inflammatory airway disease.
Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals and exposure to fumes from burning fuel also puts patients at higher risk of developing COPD.
Prevention
Like most illnesses, prevention is key in maintaining a healthy and happy life.
To prevent the development of COPD, you should follow the steps below.
- Quit smoking to help reduce your risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
- Get an annual flu vaccination and regular vaccination against pneumococcal.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or getting worse.
If you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever or a change in mucus, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
