Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease. The diagnosis of COPD requires a comprehensive analysis of medical history, physical signs and laboratory tests, and symptomatic manifestations are of great value in the diagnosis. The most important symptom of COPD is chronic cough, which is usually more than 3 years old and can be the first symptom of COPD. At the beginning the cough is intermittent and heavier in the morning, developing to a later stage where the cough is heavier in the morning and evening. The cough is usually followed by a small amount of mucus sputum, which is more common in the morning, and an irritating dry cough can also be seen. Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and dyspnea are the hallmark symptoms of COPD. Patients may become irritable and even anxious after the onset of dyspnea. Dyspnea initially occurs only after activity or exertion, but gradually worsens and leads to dyspnea during normal activities, even at rest. Wheezing and chest tightness may also occur in COPD, but are not specific to COPD and may occur in other respiratory diseases. In summary, the key symptoms to consider in COPD are chronic cough, sputum, dyspnea, and a history of risk factor exposure, so symptoms are important in the diagnosis and are necessary for the diagnosis.