It's possible you could have COPD and not even know it. In fact, only your healthcare provider can diagnose COPD. But if one or more of these symptoms sounds a little too familiar, it could mean you're at risk:
- Constant coughing, sometimes called "smoker's cough"
- Shortness of breath that gets in the way of doing everyday things, like taking a walk, going shopping, or even just getting dressed
- Not being able to take a deep breath
- Wheezing and tightness in your chest when you breathe in and out
- Excess production of mucus in your lungs
Your healthcare provider may suspect COPD based on your symptoms and your history of exposure to certain risk factors; be sure to offer an accurate account of both. The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed with a breathing test. Your healthcare provider or specialist can perform this test, which measures how much air your lungs can hold and how forcefully you can breathe out.
Talk to your doctor about your breathing problems.
If your breathing problems seem to be getting worse, it's important you see your healthcare provider about them. Only a trained physician can correctly diagnose whether you have COPD—or not. If it is COPD, the earlier you start treating it, the better. Early treatment is your best bet to help you manage your COPD—and help you get back to daily living.