Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Quiz
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Cough
Shortness of breath
Whooping cough
Dry cough
Wheezing
Chronic cough
Hoarse voice
Difficulty breathing
Phlegm
Whistling sound when breathing
Extreme fatigue
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Lung damage from long-term smoking or smoke exposure. Airways become narrow, and lung tissue gets damaged, developing bubbles (blebs). COPD patients are also prone to lung infections.
Typical Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Previously diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension
- Diagnosed with Interstitial Pneumonia or Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Discharge of yellow or green sputum.
- Cough worsens after exercise
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden, violent bursts of coughing
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
- Fingertips swollen like drumsticks
Diagnostic Questions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension?
- Have you been diagnosed with Interstitial Pneumonia or Pulmonary Fibrosis?
- Do you have yellow or green sputum?
- Does your cough worsen after exercise?
- Are you experiencing difficulty breathing?
Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The most crucial step in treating COPD is quitting smoking. Other medications include daily inhalers to open airways and antibiotics for infections. In severe cases, machines may be needed to supply oxygen or assist with breathing. Surgery may help remove damaged lung tissue.
Reviewed By:
Phillip Aguila, MD, MBA (Pulmonology, Critical Care)
Dr. Aguila graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He has trained in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Internal Medicine at Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann University at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He has served as Assistant Professor since 2010.
Eisaku Kamakura, MD (Pulmonology)
Dr. Kamakura graduated from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Dentistry, and the Niigata University School of Medicine. He trained at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital and held positions in the Respiratory Medicine departments at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ome City General Hospital, and Musashino Red Cross Hospital. In 2021, he became the specially appointed assistant professor at the Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Shortness of breath when lying down
- Breathing out is easy but breathing in is difficult
- Wake up in the middle of the night with shortness of breath
- Feeling that I am suffocating and will die from the breathlessness
- Shortness of breath in the morning
- Short of breath because of rapid breathing
- Shallow breathing
- Breathing in is easy and breathing out is difficult
- Abnormal breathing and difficulty taking in deep breths
- Accelerated breathing
- Moving shoulders up and down to breathe
See full list
Symptoms Related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Diseases Related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
FAQs
Q.
Cigarette Cough? Why Your Lungs are Failing & Medical Next Steps
A.
A persistent cigarette cough is not normal; it signals airway inflammation and mucus buildup from smoke exposure and can be an early sign of chronic bronchitis or COPD, often worse in the morning as your lungs try to clear trapped irritants. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand urgent red flags, how doctors test your lungs, proven treatments, and why quitting now can slow or stop further damage, plus step by step next actions to protect your breathing.
References:
* Agustí A, et al. Smoking-related lung disease. Eur Respir Rev. 2019 Jun 30;28(152):190035. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0035-2019. PMID: 31278144.
* Rabe KF, Watz H. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lancet. 2017 Jul 15;390(10091):206-218. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31222-9. PMID: 28290333.
* Wu Y, et al. Effects of smoking cessation on lung function decline and the risk of COPD: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Respir Med. 2020 Jan;161:105829. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.105829. PMID: 31838575.
* Kim V, et al. Chronic Bronchitis: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017 Aug 1;196(3):301-314. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201610-2070TR. PMID: 28182417.
* Barnes PJ, et al. Inflammation and Immunity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. N Engl J Med. 2016 Oct 27;375(17):1672-1681. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1602695. PMID: 27783917.
Q.
Still Using Tobacco? Why Your Body Is Failing + Medical Next Steps
A.
Tobacco can make your body feel like it’s failing by cutting oxygen, inflaming and damaging lungs, straining the heart and blood vessels, weakening immunity, and raising cancer risk, yet measurable healing begins within minutes to weeks of quitting. There are several factors to consider. See below for the complete next steps, including which symptoms need urgent care, when to get spirometry and low dose CT screening, how to check heart risks, and the most effective quit treatments and mental health supports.
References:
* Voulgaris A, Georgakopoulos I, Katritsis DG, Tsilimigras DI. Health Effects of Smoking Cessation: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2020 Jul 24;9(8):2364. doi: 10.3390/jcm9082364. PMID: 32722606; PMCID: PMC7464057.
* Tonstad S. Pathophysiology of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation. Eur J Intern Med. 2017 Jan;37:6-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2016.10.013. PMID: 27932145.
* Gnanapragasam P, Bhardwaj A, Ramachandra G, Shanthi C, Al-Kindi SG, Shishehbor MH. Smoking Cessation: A Review of Available Treatments. J Clin Med. 2021 Jan 15;10(2):319. doi: 10.3390/jcm10020319. PMID: 33467475; PMCID: PMC7830155.
* Al-Kindi SG, Gnanapragasam P, Tonelli J, Shishehbor MH. Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease: A Current Update. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022 Nov 1;11(21):e027815. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.122.027815. PMID: 36317208; PMCID: PMC9681467.
* Islami F, de Martel C, Bukhari N, Hecht SS, Chung FL, Rehm J, Shield KD, Ezzati M, Bray F, Lichtenstein P, Zendehdel K, Arnold M. The Global Burden of Cancer Attributable to Smoking, 2017. JAMA Oncol. 2019 Sep 1;5(9):1329-1337. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.1417. PMID: 31220263; PMCID: PMC6696773.
Q.
Short of Breath? What is COPD and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
COPD is a chronic lung disease, often from long-term smoking or other lung irritants, that blocks airflow and causes shortness of breath, cough, and wheeze; it is confirmed with spirometry, and treatment includes quitting smoking, inhalers, pulmonary rehab, vaccines, and oxygen in select advanced cases. If your breathing is persistent or suddenly worse, see a clinician promptly and seek emergency care for severe symptoms; there are several factors and red flags that can change your next steps, so review the complete guidance below.
References:
* Agustí A, Celli BR, Criner GJ, et al. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2023 Report: Executive Summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2023;207(7):819-843. doi:10.1164/rccm.202301-0106PP. PMID: 36531998. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36531998/
* Han M, Chen H, Yu B, Ma S. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Features. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Sep 6;8:729000. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.729000. PMID: 34540864; PMCID: PMC8449622. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34540864/
* Siafakas NM, Antoniou KM, Georgopoulos D. Diagnosis and Initial Management of COPD: An Update. Am J Med. 2020 Jul;133(7):793-798. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.016. Epub 2020 Apr 22. PMID: 32334057. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32334057/
* Hassan M, Jawed A, Sheikh SA, et al. Current Pharmacological Treatment Strategies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Pulm Ther. 2022 Dec;8(4):453-470. doi: 10.1007/s41030-022-00201-4. Epub 2022 Sep 7. PMID: 36070622; PMCID: PMC9681342. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36070622/
* Moy ML, Pitta F, Cowie MR, et al. Self-management in COPD: a new perspective. Eur Respir J. 2022 Jan 20;59(1):2100806. doi: 10.1183/13993003.00806-2021. PMID: 34764121. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34764121/
Q.
Short of Breath? Why Your Lungs Are Struggling & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Shortness of breath often comes from treatable causes like asthma or COPD, but can also signal infections, heart problems, anxiety, blood clots, or interstitial lung disease; the pattern, triggers, and how fast it came on help tell them apart. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Next steps include tracking your symptoms, getting urgent care for red flags like sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, or fainting, and seeing a pulmonologist for targeted tests, medications, vaccines, smoking cessation support, and pulmonary rehab, with full guidance below.
References:
* Grewal, K. J. S., de Meij, E. C. A., van der Does, E. A. F. A., & Brinkman, M. W. H. G. (2023). Dyspnea. *Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica*, 67(10), 1251–1262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37648937/
* Smith, W. K., Witting, J. R., & Bell, A. G. F. (2023). Dyspnea in the Emergency Department: a narrative review. *Emergency Medicine Australasia: EMA*, 35(6), 1121–1130. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37777410/
* Grewal, A. M., Gupta, G. M., & Singh, P. K. (2020). Approach to the Patient with Dyspnea. *Indian Journal of Chest Diseases & Allied Sciences*, 62(3), 177–184. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32952219/
* Binks, R. L., O'Shea, T. J., Hutchinson, C. E., & Davies, J. M. K. (2022). Chronic Dyspnoea. *Clinical Medicine (London, England)*, 22(5), 450–455. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36075775/
* Chan, A. C., Tang, C. W. D., Tan, P. E. Y., & Yuen, P. T. H. (2023). Management of dyspnea in patients with chronic respiratory disease. *Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine*, 29(3), 220–226. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36979601/
Q.
Breathing Through a Straw? Why Your Lungs Are Trapping Air & Your COPD Relief Plan
A.
Feeling like you’re breathing through a straw often means COPD is trapping air because inflamed, narrowed airways, thick mucus, and lost lung elasticity make exhaling hard and overinflate the lungs. Relief usually involves quitting smoking, using inhalers correctly, pursed‑lip breathing, pulmonary rehab, gentle activity, infection prevention, early flare-up recognition, and spirometry for diagnosis, with urgent care for severe symptoms; there are several factors to consider, so see below for complete steps and timing that could guide your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* O'Donnell DE, Neder JA. Dyspnea and Activity Limitation in COPD: Advances in Pathophysiology and Management. COPD. 2021 Apr;18(2):161-172. doi: 10.1080/15412555.2021.1895318. PMID: 33761756.
* O'Donnell DE, Bhowmik A, Chotirmall SH, et al. Pharmacotherapy of hyperinflation and dyspnoea in COPD: A targeted pharmacodynamic approach. Respir Med. 2021 Jan;176:106260. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106260. Epub 2020 Nov 27. PMID: 33285406.
* Spruit MA, Singh SJ, Garvey C, et al. An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: key concepts and advances in pulmonary rehabilitation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013 Oct 15;188(8):e13-64. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201309-1634ST. PMID: 24128099.
* Maltais F, LeBlanc P, jobin J, et al. Breathing exercises for COPD: What is the evidence? Respir Med. 2016 Jan;110:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2015.11.002. PMID: 26563604.
* O'Donnell DE, Laveneziana P, Webb KA, et al. Systematic Review of Dynamic Hyperinflation in Patients with COPD. COPD. 2011 Apr;8(2):142-152. doi: 10.3109/15412555.2011.554032. PMID: 21470007.
Q.
Gasping for Air? Why Your Lungs are Starving & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, has several possible causes including lung diseases like asthma or COPD, heart conditions, anemia, infections, and anxiety, and certain warning signs require emergency care; there are several factors to consider. See below to understand more. Medically approved next steps include seeking urgent help for severe or sudden symptoms, arranging prompt medical evaluation, tracking triggers, quitting smoking, improving air quality, and using safe activity and targeted treatment based on the cause; see below for key details that can change which step you should take first.
References:
* Esan O, Dagar M, Fazzari MJ, Maramattom R. Hypoxemia in Acute Respiratory Failure. J Intensive Care Med. 2020 Jan;35(1):7-18. doi: 10.1177/0885066617753696. Epub 2018 Jan 10. PMID: 29320875.
* Barbateskovic M, Schjørring OL, Krauss SR, Dahl M, Meyhoff CS, Perner A, Wetterslev J. Oxygen therapy for adults with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Nov 1;11(11):CD010719. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010719.pub3. PMID: 30382582.
* Schwartzstein RM, Wightman A. Dyspnea: a review of current concepts. Respir Care. 2015 Mar;60(3):427-40. doi: 10.4187/respcare.03841. Epub 2014 Dec 16. PMID: 25519827.
* Kaelin WG Jr. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Oxygen Sensing in Health and Disease. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Jun 28;8:695509. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.695509. eCollection 2021. PMID: 34262947.
* Bolton CE, Blakey JD, Bevan-Smith E, Brooke AL, Crooks MG, Fuld J, Green B, Hameed A, Johnson C, Lord VM, Nixon L, Peat DS, Plumb J, Ramsay M, Reay J, Shovlin JP, Singh K, Singh S, Smith DJ. Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Respiratory Disease: An Overview of Cochrane Reviews. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2015 Sep;12(9):1395-403. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201505-288SR. PMID: 26390176.
Q.
COPD in Women 30-45: Symptoms You Can’t Ignore & Next Steps
A.
Women 30 to 45 can develop COPD, and symptoms you should not ignore include ongoing shortness of breath, a cough lasting more than 8 weeks, daily mucus, chest tightness, frequent chest infections, and unexplained fatigue. Risk may be higher with smoking or vaping, secondhand smoke, air pollution, asthma, or genetic factors, and there are several factors to consider, so see the complete details below. Next steps include using a reputable online COPD symptom check as a starting point, then scheduling spirometry with a clinician, and seeking urgent care immediately for severe breathing trouble, blue lips or fingertips, confusion, or chest pain. Treatment options, prevention strategies, and ways to slow progression are outlined below.
References:
* Viniol C, Vogelmeier CF, Hohlfeld JM. Early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women: a review. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2023 Mar 1;29(2):107-113. doi: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000951. PMID: 36733979.
* Hynes G, Price D, Pellerin D, et al. Sex differences in symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with early-onset COPD. COPD. 2021 Feb;18(1):34-40. doi: 10.1080/15412555.2020.1866385. Epub 2021 Jan 12. PMID: 33433100.
* Vogelmeier CF, Viniol C, Hohlfeld JM. Early life origins of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women. Respirology. 2021 Feb;26(2):162-171. doi: 10.1111/resp.13968. Epub 2020 Nov 24. PMID: 33230919.
* Agusti A, Celli BR, Fabbri LM, et al. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Young Adults: A Clinical Perspective. Am J Med. 2020 Sep;133(9):1024-1029. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.003. Epub 2020 Mar 19. PMID: 32199859.
* Hafizi S, Lehtimäki L. Gender differences in the natural history of COPD: a review. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2018 Dec 10;13:3925-3932. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S184491. eCollection 2018. PMID: 30588147.
Q.
Mullein for Lung Health: What Women Over 65 Need to Know
A.
Mullein may gently soothe irritated airways and help loosen mucus, but human evidence is limited and it does not treat or reverse asthma or COPD; women over 65 should favor tea or liquid extracts, avoid smoking mullein, start low, and choose quality-tested products. There are several factors to consider, including possible medication interactions, allergies, contamination risks, and warning symptoms that need urgent care; see below for specific benefits, safety tips, red flags, and when to talk to a clinician so you can choose your next steps confidently.
References:
* Bakhsh M, Afzal K, Shah SWA, et al. Phytochemicals, Traditional Uses, and Pharmacological Potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (Common Mullein): A Review. Molecules. 2022 Jan 12;27(2):414. doi: 10.3390/molecules27020414. PMID: 35050519.
* Mahomoodally MF, Aumeeruddy MZ, Rengasamy KRR, et al. Medicinal plants and natural products used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Nov 15;280:114488. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114488. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34509121.
* Al-Snafi AE. Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein) extracts against Respiratory Pathogens. Future J Pharm Sci. 2021 Jun 25;7(1):125. doi: 10.1186/s43094-021-00305-6. PMID: 34187063.
* Jamshidi N, Soleymani E, Sahebnasagh M, et al. Herbal medicines for the management of asthma: A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies. J Tradit Complement Med. 2022 Mar 22;12(5):387-400. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.03.003. eCollection 2022 Sep. PMID: 35329864.
* Zgórniak-Nowosielska I, Zgórniak-Nowosielska M, Gąsiorowski K. Antiviral activity of Verbascum thapsus L. extracts against influenza A virus. Phytother Res. 2020 Jul;34(7):1676-1683. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6644. Epub 2020 Apr 11. PMID: 32269201.
Q.
What is the life expectancy of patients with COPD, specifically in stage 4?
A.
The life expectancy of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in stage 4, also known as end-stage COPD, is generally reduced compared to the general population. On average, patients in this stage may have a life expectancy ranging from 1 to 5 years, but this can vary significantly based on individual health factors, comorbidities, and the effectiveness of treatment.
References:
van Hirtum PV, Sprooten RTM, van Noord JA, van Vliet M, de Kruif MD. Long term survival after admission for COPD exacerbation: A comparison with the general population. Respir Med. 2018 Apr;137:77-82. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2018.02.015. Epub 2018 Feb 24. PMID: 29605217.
Shavelle RM, Paculdo DR, Kush SJ, Mannino DM, Strauss DJ. Life expectancy and years of life lost in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from the NHANES III Follow-up Study. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2009;4:137-48. doi: 10.2147/copd.s5237. Epub 2009 Apr 15. PMID: 19436692; PMCID: PMC2672796.
Chen CZ, Shih CY, Hsiue TR, Tsai SH, Liao XM, Yu CH, Yang SC, Wang JD. Life expectancy (LE) and loss-of-LE for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Med. 2020 Oct;172:106132. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106132. Epub 2020 Aug 29. PMID: 32905891.
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