what is copd and what are the symptoms and treatment
The goals of treatment for COPD are to: 1  Slow down the disease by quitting smoking and avoiding triggers, such as air pollution. 2  Limit your symptoms, such as shortness of breath, with medicines. 3  Increase your overall health with regular activity.  Prevent and treat flare-ups with medicines and other treatment.
COPD is characterized by a longstanding (chronic) obstruction to air flow out of the lungs. It can take different forms and have different symptoms. Symptoms of COPD can also vary in severity. COPD Symptoms include: a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections.
Common signs and symptoms of COPD include: 1  An ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus (often called smoker's cough) 2  Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. 3  Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)  Chest tightness.