COPD symptoms often start mild and worsen over time. Common signs include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities, feeling like breathing is harder or gasping for air.
- A persistent cough, often with lots of mucus (sometimes called a smoker’s cough).
- Wheezing, which sounds like whistling or squeaking when you breathe.
- Chest tightness or heaviness, taking deep breaths or breathing painful.
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue.