A mild cough accompanied by a small amount of phlegm can be an early warning sign for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The primary reason for delays in COPD diagnosis is that individuals who smoke often consider such symptoms to be normal. However, there is no 'normal' cough or phlegm associated with smoking. Many COPD patients delay seeking medical attention until their symptoms significantly worsen. Any individual who smokes and experiences symptoms such as a cough or phlegm is strongly advised to consult a pulmonologist for evaluation.