Other Possible Clinical Signs and Symptoms of COPD
In addition to dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum output, patients may present with any or all of the following:
WheezeWheezing is the descriptive term for the whistling sound that COPD patients can make on expiration, either at rest or when breathing is labored.. |
Weight LossWeight loss in patients with COPD is due to increased metabolism and manifests itself as a loss of skeletal muscle and a wasting of limb muscle.. |
Hypoxemia, Cyanosis, EdemaChanges in lung tissue interfere with gas exchange in a progressive way until patients have low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide in their blood. |
FatiguePatients with COPD often describe fatigue as a feeling of general tiredness that occurs daily. |
Other Signs of COPDOther signs or symptoms of severe or end-stage COPD may include:.. |
Chronic CoughCoughing 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. |
Sputum Production"Smoker's cough" is frequently disregarded as it is seen as a non pathological entity by many smokers and their health providers. In fact, tobacco smoke causes measurable lung dysfunction after even 1 puff. A single inhalation from a non filtered cigarette completely paralyzes the cilia of the tracheobronchial tree for up to 24 hours... |
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. |
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