13 Symptoms That You Could Have COPD

13. Swollen Legs, Ankles or Feet

Edema is a condition that refers to swollen body parts, usually due to excessive amounts of fluid being trapped in the tissues of the body. As for COPD patients, edema can occur in the legs, ankles and feet, sometimes becoming so intense that it leads to pulmonary hypertension, referring to problems with the lungs and heart. COPD patients already lack oxygen in the bloodstream, causing blood vessels to narrow and in worse cases, destroy them. This can cause extreme swelling and pain, and when left untreated, can even be fatal. Even if swelling isn’t due to COPD, it should be checked out by a medical professional, especially if the swelling refuses to go down or it keeps coming back.