3. Persistent Coughing
Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the throat and lungs of irritants, particles, and mucus. Healthy individuals rarely cough, except in situations where environmental factors, such as pollen or smoke, enter the airways.
Individuals suffering from COPD experience a regular cough throughout the day. If you notice that you cough the first moment after waking up, it’s your lungs clearing the mucus they accumulated overnight. As the disease progresses, affected individuals find they wake up in the middle of the night to cough.
Individuals suffering from the disease will notice they have a persistent feeling of mucus building in the lungs that inspires them to clear their throats regularly. Another frequently reported coughing symptom is the feeling of a tickle at the back of the throat as mucus builds. If you’ve noticed an increase in the frequency of coughing, arrange a consultation with your doctor to assess your health and look for signs of COPD.