Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a number conditions that cause breathing problems and airflow obstructions. The condition affects over 16 million people in the country. Moreover, more than a million more suffer from COPD, but their symptoms go undiagnosed and untreated because they misidentify it as other underlying complications. A cure for COPD is yet to be discovered; hence, learning about its early signs could help one in managing the condition. Chronic cough It isn’t uncommon for people to contract infections that lead to a cough. It usually goes away in a couple of days or weeks. Coughing is also a protective mechanism that may respond to irritants in the air that enter the lungs. A cough could also help remove mucus and phlegm. However, if the cough is persistent, and if one experiences a chesty cough that does not go away, it could indicate the onset of COPD. Healthcare experts usually consider coughs that last more than eight weeks to be chronic. So if one experiences this sign, they should consult with an expert immediately. Excess mucus production Mucus helps keep the airways lubricated, and attracts and captures germs and irritants that enter the lungs. But if there is excessive production of mucus, it may suggest the development of COPD.