2. Shortness of Breath
COPD causes permanent damage to occur to the airways. As a result the airways become narrowed and this may limit the amount that gets inhaled or exhaled. Shortness of breath usually occurs when an individual exerts him/herself at first and this usually happens when engaging in activities like climbing stairs. Shortness of breath will be experienced when the lung cells sense that more effort than usual is used to move air in and out of the chest cavity. This is caused by a decrease in the oxygen supply to the blood cells and with time this symptom may seem to appear without even having some kind of exertions.
