Breathlessness Often Ignored As Sign of Lung Disease

Which symptom brought you to the doctor? For many people with COPD, it is dyspnea, commonly referred to as breathlessness. But, how long were you breathless before you sought help, believing that your COPD symptoms were due to getting older or perhaps becoming more out of shape?

If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Many people initially confuse their symptoms, associating them with increasing age and decreasing fitness. In fact, many people aren't diagnosed with COPD until they reach the moderate or severe stages, which can have negative implications for patients as far as treatment is concerned.

So, what's the moral of the story? If you are experiencing any unusual, respiratory symptoms -- shortness of breath, coughing, increased mucus production -- especially if you have a history of long-term exposure to any type of airway irritant, don't just blow them off.  Get to the doctor when you first notice your symptoms and ask for a spirometry test.  Spirometry is the easiest way to diagnose COPD, even in its earliest stages.

How long did you notice symptoms of COPD before you sought medical attention? Please vote in the above poll and share your comments.

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