What symptom is commonly found in patients with COPD?

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a hallmark symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with COPD experience difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activities, due to the obstruction of airflow caused by conditions like chronic bronchitis or emphysema, which are components of COPD. The airflow limitation leads to insufficient oxygen exchange, resulting in the feeling of breathlessness that typically worsens over time.

COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways and lung tissue damage, which directly contributes to this sensation. This symptom significantly impacts the quality of life for affected individuals, often leading them to avoid activities that may exacerbate their breathlessness.

While other symptoms such as chest tightness can occur in patients with COPD, shortness of breath is more universally recognized and prevalent in the majority of cases, making it a key indicator for diagnosis and management of the disease.