The List was established to provide support and education, and as a forum for sharing ideas and solutions in dealing with this affliction. But many of us suffer from it greatly. Already sick, our airways are easily constricted by all manner of airborne nasties. It is why we carry our inhalers. Some authorities do not consider asthma a component of COPD because unlike emphysema and chronic bronchitis, asthma can be reversed.
Symptoms vary somewhat from one individual to another.
A lingering, or even constant cough . If a cough lingers long after a lung infection has cleared up something is wrong. A history of lung problems . Maybe you've had flu several times, or worse, pneumonia. Other family members have been diagnosed with emphysema .