At times, any or all of the respiratory related symptoms may suddenly "flare up" or get worse than usual. These episodes of more severe symptoms are known as exacerbations, and they should be taken seriously.
Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any of the COPD symptoms listed above.
Keep in mind, COPD symptoms aren't just something you wake up with one morning. They develop slowly. The lung is fairly resilient and can sustain a considerable amount of damage before it starts producing any symptoms. By the time most people are diagnosed, they may have already lost some of their lung function. Certain COPD symptoms, like fatigue and shortness of breath affect each individual differently. That's why it's important to talk to your healthcare provider if you notice a change in any of the symptoms listed above.