Signs Your COPD Is Getting Worse

Changes in typical symptoms associated with the condition may be a sign of disease progression.

When your usual Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms suddenly worsen, you may think you’re just having a really bad breathing day, but it could be your COPD is getting worse. Your pulmonologist calls this a COPD exacerbation. Think of it as a flare-up.

COPD can be early, moderate, severe, or very severe depending on your symptoms, the number of exacerbations you’ve had, and your lung function. But it is important to know from the warning signs that a flare-up is coming on so that you can avoid it if possible.

The following are signs that may indicate that a person’s COPD is getting worse.

1. Increased shortness of breath

Worsening shortness of breath is a major sign that your COPD is getting more severe. If walking up a slight incline has become harder for you, that could indicate your condition is deteriorating.

If the increase in shortness of breath is relatively mild, your symptoms can be managed by your doctor.

SEE ALSO: 5 Breathing Exercises for COPD Patients

2. Wheezing

Wheezing is caused by the narrowing of the airway. It’s a high-pitched whistling sound that happens as you breathe. In case your wheezing gets worse, it could be a sign of an exacerbation.

3. Changes in Phlegm

COPD worsening can increase the amount of phlegm you produce. You may observe a color change from clear phlegm to yellow or green phlegm.

In fact, increased phlegm could be one of the first signs that your COPD is getting worse.

4. Cough getting worse

It’s more severe, or you cough more often than usual. It could be dry or bring up yellow, green, or bloody phlegm. It gets worse when you lie down — so much that you may have to sit in a chair to sleep.

5. Feel fatigue or have muscle weakness

A lot of patients with COPD are tired all the time. It comes down to the fact that your body has to work harder than someone’s who doesn’t have COPD. More of your energy is spent simply breathing.

6. Edema

In severe COPD, edema can cause the ankles, legs, and feet to swell. This swelling is due to what is known as cor pulmonale, or pulmonary hypertension.

Other signs

The signs of a COPD exacerbation go beyond these symptoms. There are few other symptoms as well, such as:

• Changes in skin or nail color (a bluish tint around your lips or nails seem blue or purple)
• Trouble sleeping and eating
• Early morning headaches
• Fever

Each time you have a COPD exacerbation, your lung function may decline. You should call your pulmonologist right away if you or a loved one with COPD is showing symptoms of a flare-up.

SOURCE:
Banner Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-couple-people-woman-6753166/