What are the main signs and symptoms of COPD?

    Researchedby:
    Marina Shkayeva

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    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner, Shyam Jayaraman
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Symptoms of COPD vary depending on the severity of the disease. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing, chronic cough (often with mucus), and fatigue. COPD is often associated with frequent infections of the airways and sometimes with a blue tint of lips or fingernails (due to a lack of oxygen).[1] The systemic inflammation from COPD can also cause symptoms outside the lungs. This can manifest as unintentional weight loss, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[2]

    References

    1. ^Shari Gentry, Barry GentryChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnosis and ManagementAm Fam Physician.(2017 Apr 1)
    2. ^Agusti A, Soriano JBCOPD as a systemic disease.COPD.(2008-Apr)