Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Symptoms of COPD

In the beginning stages of COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD nyc), many people are not even aware that they have the disease. Because this is a progressive disease, the symptoms will become increasingly more apparent later in the stage of the disease. The most common symptoms and signs of COPD include:

• Shortness of Breath - It is a feeling of breathlessness that the patient suffers. The patient feels as if he is unable to catch his breath, especially during physical activity.
• Coughing – Having a bad cough that will not go away is a sign of COPD, especially when it is a cough that produces a large amount of mucus.
• Wheezing – Wheezing in patients with COPD occurs when trying to take a breath. Wheezing sounds like a squeak or a whistle when the patient breaths in and out.
• Chest Tightness – The feeling of chest tightness in patients with COPD is often described as feeling very heavy in the chest.

Definition of COPD

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a progressive disease that affects the airways and the lungs. The disease is one that gets progressively worse over time.

The leading cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, or a history of cigarette smoking. People who have had exposure to other toxins for a long period of time, including air pollution, chemicals or dust, are also at risk for COPD.

The term “COPD” usually includes two main diseases, Epmhysema and Chronic Bronchitis. It is possible for patients with COPD to have both Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis.

As stated above, COPD is a progressive disorder, and gets worse over time, making daily activities progressively harder to complete. Things such as going to the store or taking a shower can become increasingly more difficult.

Many people may have COPD without even knowing it. If you have a history of exposure to smoking or other toxins, it is imperative that you get checked out before COPD progresses.

Begin Your Journey to Wellness with Patients Medical

Our job at Patients Medical is to listen, to connect the dots between a patient's medical history, symptoms, and their underlying causes. Patients Medical is a superb place for women and men to secure integrative and holistic health care from providers who give personalized care, partner with the patient to focus on the root cause of their illness, support their recovery, and help them maintain good health.

To make an appointment with one of our physicians, please call us at 1-212-794-8800. We look forward to hearing from you.