What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Regular Respiratory Infections

Individuals with this condition may find it harder to get bacteria and other pollutants out of their lungs. This is likely the reason why they experience respiratory infections more regularly than healthy individuals. Unfortunately, there may be little that they can do to prevent these infections. Doctors often, however, recommend vaccinations. This can include the annual flu vaccine and maybe one for pneumonia as well. Keeping their home clean and dusting regularly may be helpful at stopping potential irritants from getting into their lungs. Washing their hands frequently should also help keep sickness out of their system.

If patients believe they have a respiratory infection, they should contact their doctor immediately. Signs they may need to look for include increased wheezing and mucus production. Their shortness of breath may get worse. Painful swallowing, fever, sore throat, and headaches may also be symptoms of these infections.