COPD&Me is here to give you the information you need about your condition, treatment and self-care – so you can stay as active and healthy as possible.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes breathing increasingly more difficult.1
But it develops slowly over many years and you may not be aware you have it at first.1
Someone close to you might have COPD and not realise itBreathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time1
Recognising the Signs of COPD
COPD symptoms can develop gradually and worsen over time. Early detection is key to effective management.1
Frequent chest infections
You might notice you’re getting these more often1
Shortness of breath
This may only happen when exercising at first, and you may sometimes wake up at night feeling breathless1
Chesty cough
A cough with phlegm (mucus) that doesn’t go away1
Persistent wheezing
Continuous high-pitched whistling sound during breathing due to airway obstruction1
The symptoms will usually get gradually worse over time and make daily activities increasingly difficult, although treatment can help slow the progression.1
There may be periods when your symptoms get suddenly worse.
These are known as flare ups and can be triggered by things like infections, but they can happen when there is no apparent trigger.2
Treatment & Management
COPD cannot be cured, but treatment can ease symptoms and slow its progression.3
Looking after yourself:5
Regular reviews and monitoring
Breathing techniques
Talk to others
Introducing a discussion list
Our Discussion List feature allows you to compile and download a personalised list of topics or questions to discuss with your healthcare team.
It’s a simple way to make sure your questions are heard.
Healthcare team could include a GP, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, dietitian, occupational therapist, counsellor and stop smoking advisor.
Abbreviations:
COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GP, general practitioner.
References:
- NHS. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/symptoms/. Accessed November 2025.
- Asthma + Lung UK. Managing COPD flare-ups. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/managing-copd-flare-ups. Accessed November 2025.
- Asthma + Lung UK. What is COPD? Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-copd. Accessed November 2025.
- NHS. COPD treatments. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/treatment/. Accessed November 2025.
- NHS. COPD Living with. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/living-with/. Accessed November 2025.