Definitely agree with the two previous replies. Get to your doc and figure out what's going on. Don't wait because that is an invitation to the ER and hospitalization, including more lung damage. You don't want any of that, so be proactive and get to your doc. DO IT NOW!!!

@A MyCOPDTeam Member I hadn't even thought of that. That could actually have something to do with it. I tend to run on the low side (just high enough that they don't see it as a problem). I've actually had several transfusions when I was getting bronchitis a lot. After back to back (within a couple days) hospitalizations 10-12 days each time they would give me a transfusion and I'd recover pretty quickly.
It would explain some other minor symptoms I've been having as well.
Thanks for posting this, you may be on to something.
I hope you're having a good day and the summer isn't too difficult for you. Breathe easy.

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A MyCOPDT...

I had all your symptoms and come to find out I was so anemic I had to have a blood transfusion. You might want to check on that.

I hate to say it, but I have to agree as well. I cannot stand hospitals either. I have only been to the ER 5 times my entire life. Tried not to go to the Dr. either, but Medicaid requires at least every 6 month checkups. A side effect of this stuff we call COPD is a heavy tendency toward pneumonia. A simple cold will turn into pneumonia really quick, because we have a lower metabolism now and not able to breathe as good as we used to. Go to the Dr. my dear, and maybe all he/she will do is order some strong proper antibiotics that cannot be got over the counter, or maybe they will admit you in the hospital. If they do, it is because you need to be there to help get you over this. God bless and breathe easy.

In your first visit to a lung specialist (pulmonologist) you will probably be tested for or scheduled for a Pulmonary Function Test to determine how serious your shortness of breath is and what may be causing it. The O in copd means obstructive, so it would seem something is obstructing one's ability to breathe normally. That is the hard one. You may or may not be given a reason. You may get as many different answers as there are pulmonologists as you keep searching. At pulmonary rehabilitation classes you would be guided in exercises according that would be most beneficial to strengthening your lungs and your overall body strength, ie. legs, back, heart, lungs. It is usually a good program as long as it is specifically pulmonary oriented. Exercise of your own making helps, and certainly the help you would receive at pulmonary rehabilitation specifically would certainly help. I've done both and I prefer the pulmo rehab, myself, but I live in a remote area and the specific exercise location is no longer available to me. So I do what I can at a fitness center I CAN get to. I hope this isn't more confusing than helpful. Get moving and know your own lifestyle and choices can make a difference in how you manage the disease. God bless you.