smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of disease that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression ofCOPD. Besides, exposure to air pollutant in the home and workplace, genetic factors and respiratory infections also play a role. The symptoms are the following---

1. cough---cough is the first symptom to develop. It is productive with sputum and gradually becomes more persistent
2. breathlessness and wheeze---it may occur when you exert yourself at first. For example, when you climb stairs. These symptoms tend to become gradually worse over the years if you continue to smoke.
3. sputum-----the damaged airways make a lot more mucus than normal. Smokers tend to cough up a lot of sputum each day.
4. chest infections-----they are more common if the smokers have COPD. Wheezing with cough and breathlessness may become worse than usual if the smokers have chest infections. Sputum usually turns yellow or green during a chest infection.
5. weight loss, tiredness and ankle swelling
Treatment of COPD require a careful and thorough evaluation by a physician. COPD treatment can alleviate symptoms, decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations and increase exercise tolerance. For those who smoke, the most important aspect of treatment is smoking cessation. Avoiding tobacco smoke and removing other air pollutants from the patient's home or workplace are also important. Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication.
References---centers for disease control ,USA 

COPD affects these healthy airways