Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease develops over years, most often in people with a history of smoking or long-term exposure to biomass smoke, dust or fumes.
Early signals
A cough that has become part of daily life, sputum production most mornings, breathlessness while climbing stairs, and chest infections that seem to happen every winter.
Why people miss it
Breathlessness is often attributed to age or lack of fitness, so activity is reduced instead of the cause being investigated. By the time symptoms feel significant, lung function may already be affected.
What helps
Stopping smoking is the single most effective step. Alongside this, lung function assessment, appropriate inhaler therapy, vaccination advice and a flare-up action plan form the core of long-term management.
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