Diagnosing COPD
A diagnosis of COPD should be considered in any patient
presenting with dyspnoea, chronic cough or sputum production with a
history of exposure to risk factors such as
smoking.1
The diagnosis of COPD is initially made through patient medical
history to verify the symptoms of COPD, obtaining a smoking or
occupational exposure history, lung function (spirometry) tests and
often performing a medical examination.2,3,4,5
Expert Opinion
References
- Sin DD, Wu L & Man SF. The relationship between reduced lung function and cardiovascular mortality: a population-based study and a systematic review of the literature. Chest 2005;127(6):1952-1959.
- American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society. Standards for the diagnosis and management of patients with COPD. 2004. http://www.thoracic.org/clinical/copd-guidelines/index.php.
- American Thoracic Society. Standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995;152:S77-S121.
- Siafakas NM, Vermeire P, Pride NB, et al. Optimal assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The European Respiratory Society Task Force. Eur Respir J 1995;8:1398-1420.
- Global Initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease: Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COPD. 2010. www.goldcopd.org