I have developed a chronic cough. i am 41 and a smoker. could this be an early sign of copd?

Certainly.: Chronic cough can have many causes, but with you being a smoker, you need to see your doctor for evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor can also help you quit smoking (there are medications and classes available), which will decrease your risk for further lung damage.

Not necessarily: If your cough is ongoing for more than six weeks then it is deemed chronic. If you are a smoker then yes, you may have copd. If you are nota smoker the most common cause of chronic cough is acid reflux, post nasal drip form allergies, certain blood pressure medications and asthma.

Chronic bronchitis: You could have chronic bronchitis which is a part of copd. So the simple answer is yes, this might be copd.

Possibly...: A chronic cough, especially of productive of sputum on most days, could be a sign of chronic bronchitis. A dry, non-productive cough could be a sign of emphysema. Both are forms of copd. See your doctor so you can be diagnosed. Smoking cessation is important and your doctor can help with this as well.