3. Chronic cough
This is also an important symptom in COPD, especially in patients with chronic bronchitis and asthma. In some patients, the incidence of cough may not be a relevant symptom, or it can be transient and without expectoration. Cough can be dry, but in most cases, it is productive, meaning it comes with mucus. Cough is maintained over the years without a clear cause, and it is typically worse in the early morning.