One of the first symptoms you notice is a persistent cough that doesn't seem to go away. This cough may be dry or mucus-producing, and is sometimes referred to as a "smoker's cough".

In addition, people may notice that they produce more mucus than usual, especially in the morning. This mucus may be clear, white, yellow or even greenish.

Another common early symptom is shortness of breath, particularly during physical activities such as stair climbing or brisk walking. Over time, this breathlessness can become more pronounced and even occur at rest.

People in the early stages of COPD are also more likely to contract respiratory infections, such as colds, bronchitis or flu. These infections often take longer to recover from.

Wheezing — a high-pitched, whistling sound when breathing — is another early sign, and becomes particularly audible when exhaling. Some people also begin to feel pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be uncomfortable and worrying.

In many cases, people with early-stage COPD feel more tired than normal, even after sufficient rest. This is because the body has to make extra efforts to breathe properly.

As the disease progresses, some people may lose weight involuntarily, partly due to reduced appetite and the energy needed to breathe.

✓ To sum up, here are the most common symptoms:

• Chronic cough (often called "smoker's cough")
• Increased mucus production (especially in the morning)
• Shortness of breath, especially on exertion
• Wheezing (whistling when breathing)
• Regular respiratory infections (colds, flu, bronchitis)
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Compressive chest pain or discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss (usually in advanced stages)