How your lungs are affectedĪir travels down your windpipe (trachea) and into your lungs through two large tubes (bronchi). They may be misdiagnosed as having COPD until a more thorough evaluation is performed. Some smokers develop less common lung conditions. Only some chronic smokers develop clinically apparent COPD, although many smokers with long smoking histories may develop reduced lung function. In the developing world, COPD often occurs in people exposed to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes. The main cause of COPD in developed countries is tobacco smoking. Seek immediate medical care if you can't catch your breath, if you experience severe blueness of your lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis) or a rapid heartbeat, or if you feel foggy and have trouble concentrating. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or getting worse, or if you notice symptoms of an infection, such as fever or a change in sputum. People with COPD are also likely to experience episodes called exacerbations, during which their symptoms become worse than the usual day-to-day variation and persist for at least several days. Unintended weight loss (in later stages).A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish.Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities.COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time, particularly if smoking exposure continues.
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