What is the primary symptom of COPD?

Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing. It’s typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions.

What is the most common early symptom of COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe and progressive lung condition. Early signs of the condition include a chronic cough, increased mucus, and tiredness.

At what age do symptoms begin to show for COPD?

Most people are at least 40 years old when symptoms of COPD first appear. It’s not impossible to develop COPD as a young adult, but it is rare. There are certain genetic conditions, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, that can predispose younger people to developing COPD.

Is COPD a normal age related change?

The prevalence of COPD is two to three times higher in people over the age of 60 years than in younger age groups. Indeed, COPD has been considered a condition of accelerated lung aging. Several mechanisms associated with aging are present in the lungs of patients with COPD.

How does age cause COPD?

There is growing evidence of higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the elderly. Age-associated changes in the structure and function of the lung may increase a pathogenetic susceptibility to COPD. The lung may directly develop COPD in old age.

Can you get COPD in your 30s?

It’s rare for young adults to get COPD, though if you smoke or have other risk factors, it’s possible. Diagnosis becomes more common in people in their forties or older, but given the life expectancy today, that’s hardly considered old.

Is COPD common in older adults?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is the most common chronic lung disease among seniors. Seniors are more at risk of having COPD than younger people because aging may mean more lung damage and exposure to risk factors.

Why do older people develop COPD?

Causes of COPD Someone susceptible to the disease loses lung function as they age. This happens at a higher rate than susceptible people who don’t smoke. The development of the disease is delayed if a person quits smoking. Repeated exposure to indoor cooking fires, heavy dust, or chemical fumes can also cause COPD.

What are the symptoms of COPD in adults?

a persistent cough — this is usually a phlegmy (chesty) cough that you’ve had for some time

What is the age of onset for COPD?

COPD mainly affects people over the age of 40 and becomes more common with increasing age. The average age when it is formally diagnosed is around 67 years. It is more common in men than in women. A flare-up (exacerbation) of COPD is one of the most common reasons for admission to hospital.

Is COPD normal?

A normal oxygen level for a patient suffering from COPD is between 95 and 100 percent, according to About.com. Although some people are able to function normally with an oxygen level as low as 90 percent, a doctor should always be consulted with regard to optimal saturation level.

How old is COPD?

COPD most commonly occurs in people over age 40, but it’s not a natural part of aging. You should call your doctor right away if you’re experiencing symptoms of COPD. Brushing off possible signs of the disease is dangerous and can lead to further problems in the future.