Symptoms of COPD
The main symptoms of COPD are:
- shortness of breath, particularly when you’re active
- a persistent chesty cough with phlegm – some people may dismiss this as just a ‘smoker’s cough’
- frequent chest infections
- persistent wheezing.
When to get medical advice
Speak to your GP practice if you have persistent symptoms of COPD, particularly if you’re over 35 and smoke or used to smoke.
Please do not ignore the symptoms. If they’re caused by COPD, it’s best to start treatment and stop smoking before your lungs become significantly damaged.
Your GP practice will ask about your symptoms and whether you smoke or used to smoke. They can organise a breathing test to help rule out other lung conditions such as asthma.
Treatment and support
Treatment can help to slow the progression and control the symptoms of COPD. The most important thing you can do is stop smoking if you are a smoker. You may also be prescribed inhalers, medications and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Follow your care team’s advice, including taking any medication prescribed, to make sure your health is in the best possible condition.
There is support available to help you stop smoking:
Other steps to take
- Receive the flu vaccination before winter
- Stay up to date with vaccinations
- If you notice an increase in the saliva and mucus you cough up, particularly if it is coloured or if you are getting increasingly short of breath, contact your GP practice or COPD nurse
- If your symptoms are getting worse and you have been prescribed rescue medication, please consider using this and contact your GP surgery
Medication
Make sure you have adequate supplies of medication and monitor weather forecasts for extremes of cold or heat. Please arrange for a relative or a friend to collect your medication for you if you can’t get out due to bad weather or for any other reason.
If this is not possible, speak to your regular pharmacy or dispensary about any support they can offer.
If you need help
You can access healthcare services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there is an urgent need, you can obtain medical advice by visiting 111.nhs.uk or phoning NHS 111.
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