Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Archive

Early symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be subtle and progress slowly. They include shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, increased mucus or phlegm, and intermittent wheezing or chest tightness.

Severe emphysema can bring crippling breathlessness and the need fro supplemental oxygen. Learn how doctors define the final stage and what it may mean for longevity.

Tiny air sacs can stretch, rupture, and form bubbles inside the lung. Learn how this damage develops and how smoking can contribute.

Managing emphysema involves more than an occasional lung test. Learn how breathing studies, oxygen checks, and symptoms can be used to track your lung health.

Flare‑ups of COPD can speed lung decline, sap energy, and raise the risk of death. Outlook may depend on smoking status and inhaler treatments.

The average cough, typically due to a cold or other respiratory virus, lasts three weeks or less. A lingering or chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer. Most causes of chronic cough aren't serious, such as bronchitis, seasonal allergies, or medication side effects. People should see a doctor if over-the-counter treatments haven't worked or if they experience signs such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, blood in the sputum, weight loss, or fatigue. Before an appointment, people should track their cough and note its patterns to offer clues for diagnosis.