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]
What are the main signs and symptoms of COPD?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The main signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough with mucus, and fatigue and potential additional symptoms such as frequent infections, a blue tint to lips or fingernails, unintentional weight loss, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The severity of the disease influences the variation in symptoms experienced by different people.