Medical history

A detailed medical history^1,2,3,4 of a patient presenting with COPD symptoms should include exposure to risk factors (smoking, occupational or environmental), family history of COPD, history of exacerbations, presence of co-morbidities and a patient's quality of life.

The presence and pattern of the following clinical symptoms of COPD should also be assessed:

• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Wheeze
• Frequent bouts of ‘bronchitis’ or chest infections
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Ankle swelling

References

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Global Initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease: Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COPD. 2010. www.goldcopd.org