Introduction
COPD is one of the most common lung diseases in Germany. Especially the consumption of cigarettes is associated with the development of the disease. COPD is accompanied by a typical symptom pattern, which typically worsens as the disease progresses.
Overview of symptoms of COPD
COPD is characterized by various symptoms, among which are The leading symptom of COPD is above all dyspnoea, which, depending on the severity of the disease, may only occur during exertion or may even be present at rest. In addition, there is nocturnal coughing, a feeling of tightness in the chest and mucus in the bronchi. Further characteristics of this respiratory insufficiency (respiratory insufficiency) is a bluish-violet discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, which can be of varying intensity depending on its severity (peripheral and central cyanosis).
It is an oxygen deficiency when the blood cannot be sufficiently saturated with oxygen. However, this not only leads to a lack of oxygen, but also to the fact that carbon dioxide (CO2) cannot be sufficiently exhaled. Symptoms of this are shaky limbs/tremor and restlessness.
In the late stages this can lead to symptoms of dizziness and drowsiness (somnolence). Pathologically altered fingernails, which are called watch glass nails, and an altered shape of the rib cage (barrel thorax) are already signs of over-inflation of the alveoli. Watch glass nails describe bulbous thickening of the fingertips and sometimes of the toes.
They usually occur with a thickening of the whole fingers, which is called drum beating finger. They are a consequence of the oxygen deficiency of the tissue (hypoxia). The exact mechanism of origin is still unclear. – Chronic cough Morning especially with sputum Possibly hoarseness
- In the morning especially with sputum
- Possible hoarseness
- Respiratory distress (under stress, later also at rest)
- Loss of power, fatigue
- Cyanosis (turning blue) of the lips and fingernails
- Over-inflation of the chest
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- In the morning especially with sputum
- Possible hoarseness
Chronic cough
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is mainly caused by the inhalation of various pollutants (cigarette smoke, particulate matter). These substances settle in the respiratory tract and lead to an inflammatory reaction there, causing the airways to narrow. The body initially has a simple defence mechanism against these pollutants: it tries to cough up the substances.
Particularly fine pollutants such as cigarette smoke and fine dust penetrate very deeply into the lungs. From there they cannot usually be coughed up directly. Instead, the small particles are first transported into larger sections of the respiratory tract and from there they are transported out of the body again by coughing.
Particularly in the case of a permanent or very regular exposure to toxic substances, the body is thus constantly busy coughing up the toxic substances again. However, since the pollutants also attack the surface of the respiratory tract, the transport of particles from the depths of the lungs no longer functions reliably. As a result, some of the toxins always remain in the body, which further increases the urge to cough.
