COPD: symptoms, stages, and how it is treated

Last updated: 10/6/2026

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it harder to breathe over time, but an early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can help you manage it.

COPD is a group of lung diseases that get worse over time. The most common types are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 16 million adults in the United States have COPD, and many more do not know they have it.

Key facts about COPD

• COPD prevents airflow to the lungs, causing breathing problems.
• Common symptoms include frequent coughing or wheezing, excess mucus, shortness of breath, and trouble taking deep breaths.
• Smoking is the main cause of COPD, but nonsmokers can get it too.
• There are four stages of COPD: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe.
• There is no cure for COPD, but it can be treated. An early diagnosis could help you slow its progression.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

The CDC lists frequent coughing or wheezing, shortness of breath during everyday activities, trouble taking deep breaths, and excess mucus as common signs of COPD. Symptoms often build slowly, so people sometimes mistake them for a normal part of aging.

If you notice these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Getting diagnosed early allows you to manage and treat COPD, so you can help prevent it from getting worse.

What causes COPD?

Tobacco smoke is the main cause of COPD in the United States, and anyone who smokes or used to smoke has a higher risk. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, exposure to environmental or workplace breathing hazards, a family history of COPD, and asthma.

To lower your risk, the CDC recommends that you stop smoking, avoid inhaling cigarette smoke, and limit time in places with bad air quality. If you smoke, our article on how to quit smoking covers counseling, medication, and the resources available through many Capital Blue Cross plans.

What are the four stages of COPD?

There are four stages of COPD: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. According to the American Lung Association, your healthcare provider determines your stage by looking at your lung function test results, your symptoms, your risk or history of flare-ups, and other health conditions. Your stage helps guide your treatment.

COPD is progressive, which means it will get worse over time. However, there are things you can do at every stage to slow that progression, like following your treatment plan and avoiding triggers that worsen your symptoms.

How is COPD diagnosed?

Doctors can use a common test called spirometry to help detect COPD. This simple breathing test looks at how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you can breathe in and force out. Your provider may also use other lung function tests when determining your COPD stage.

What is a COPD flare-up?

A COPD flare-up (also called an exacerbation) is a sudden worsening of symptoms. The American Lung Association notes that signs can include more coughing, changes in the mucus you cough up, more shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty sleeping, and more fatigue. These symptoms are worse than your normal symptoms and may last two days or more.

Flare-ups can be serious and may require medical attention. Common triggers include smoke, strong odors and chemicals, weather changes, air pollution, and respiratory infections like colds and the flu. Working with your healthcare provider on a personal COPD action plan could help you recognize a flare-up early and know when to seek care.

How is COPD treated?

There is no cure for COPD, but lifestyle changes and treatments can help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. For smokers with COPD, the most important part of treatment is to stop smoking.

Other options your doctor may recommend include:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation: a personalized program that teaches you how to breathe better, conserve energy, and choose the right foods and physical activities.
• Medication: symptoms like coughing or wheezing can be treated with different medicines, and respiratory infections can be treated with antibiotics.
• Vaccinations: respiratory disease vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines, can help prevent infections that cause serious problems for people with COPD.
• Oxygen therapy: portable oxygen can help you breathe easier if your blood oxygen levels are low.

Capital Blue Cross member resources

If you are a Capital Blue Cross member diagnosed with COPD and are feeling overwhelmed, we can help. Our Care Management team offers free educational resources to members with chronic conditions. Call 888.545.4512 to speak with experienced nurses.

Capital Blue Cross members can use MyCare Finder to search for in-network doctors and facilities, or connect with a doctor from home through VirtualCare.

FAQ

What are the early signs of COPD?

Early signs can include a cough that does not go away, shortness of breath during everyday activities, wheezing, and excess mucus. In the early stages, there may be mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, so talk to your doctor if you have symptoms or previously smoked.

Is COPD curable?

No. There is no cure for COPD, but it can be treated. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, along with medication and other treatments, can help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

What is the difference between COPD and asthma?

Both conditions cause breathing problems, but COPD is a group of lung diseases that get worse over time, most commonly emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma is a separate condition, and having a history of asthma is one risk factor for developing COPD.

How can I lower my risk of COPD?

Stop smoking, avoid inhaling cigarette smoke, and limit your time in places with bad air quality. Quitting smoking is the single most important step if you currently smoke.