What are the symptoms of COPD?
Common signs and symptoms of COPD are:
-Persistent cough
-Increased mucus production
-Shortness of breath
-Wheezing
-Tightness in the chest

What are the risk factors for COPD?
Risk factors include:
-Smoking remains the primary risk factor for developing COPD
-some people may inherit an increased risk for COPD; in many such cases other relatives have COPD and may have developed it at a very early age.

How is COPD diagnosed?
A medical history is taken and a physical examination is performed by your physician. Additional testing may include:
-Chest X-ray
-Blood tests
-Sputum specimen
-Pulmonary function test

How is COPD treated?
Generally the treatment of COPD consists of relieving symptoms and making lifestyle changes. The earlier that COPD is diagnosed, the better the results of treatment. Treatment includes:
-Smoking cessation
-Bronchodilator medicines which improve airflow in the lungs.
-Inhaler steroid medicines are used in some patients
-Oxygen therapy
-Vaccination against pneumonia and influenza

Although COPD is not curable, there are many medications which work to improve symptoms and maximize lung function.