copd symptoms
Other signs and symptoms of COPD may include: 1  Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. 2  Wheezing. 3  Chest tightness.  Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning, due to excess mucus in your 1  lungs. A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish.
COPD exacerbation. Many people with COPD have attacks called flare-ups or exacerbations (say egg-ZASS-er-BAY-shuns). This is when your usual symptoms quickly get worse and stay worse. A COPD flare-up can be dangerous, and you may have to go to the hospital. Symptoms include: Coughing up more mucus than usual. A change in the color or thickness of that mucus. More shortness of breath than usual. Greater tightness in your chest.