Chronic Cough as a Symptom of COPD
Coughing is the most common symptom in patients who see a health care provider. It is up to the clinician to determine if the cough is non pathologic or a symptom of asthma, acute or chronic bronchitis, or another form of obstructive lung disease. While a chronic evening cough is not generally indicative of the disease, patients may complain of coughing all day and possibly (although seldom) being awakened at night by coughing. Cough may be either productive or nonproductive. A clue that suggests that cough is of asthmatic origin is that it is unproductive and occurs during the night or early morning.
DyspneaChronic progressive dyspnea is characteristic of patients with COPD, while episodic dyspnea is more common in asthmatics. Unfortunately, there can be a significant overlap between these 2 types of dyspnea, creating confusion in establishing an accurate diagnosis. |
Other COPD SymptomsIn addition to dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum output, patients may present with any or all of the following.. |
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