According to the American Lung Association COPD statistics,  it is estimated that upwards of 13 million adults were diagnosed COPD in 2008, and it was suspected, in that same year, that as many as 24 million adults were exhibiting signs of COPD but had not sought a COPD diagnosis.

The question then becomes, “How do I know if I have COPD, and when should I see a doctor?”  Unfortunately, far too many people wait until their condition becomes advanced before they seek medical attention.  Had these patients sought a COPD diagnosis earlier, it is possible that COPD treatments could have lessened lung damage and allowed them to live longer, healthier lives.

COPD Diagnosis – When to See a Doctor

If you smoke, you may be used to waking up every morning with a hacking cough to which you pay little attention; however, if you have been coughing up thick green or yellow sputum for more than a couple of weeks, or if you find yourself short of breath when you climb stairs, lifting laundry baskets or grocery bags or simply feel tired all the time, you should consult with your doctor.

You may have COPD, and while any damage to your lungs is permanent and cannot be reversed, prompt and effective COPD treatment can slow the progress of this disease.

COPD Diagnosis – Find a Good Doctor

Once you receive a COPD diagnosis, it is important to make sure that you have a good relationship with the doctor who will be treating you.  You will be seeing your doctor often, and you want to make sure that your doctor is genuinely concerned about your condition and will give you the attention you need to deal with this permanent and gradually worsening disease.

You and your doctor are in this for the long haul, so make sure that the two of you have a good working relationship.  Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you evaluate the relationship you have with your doctor.

  • When I call for an appointment, does the receptionist seem bothered by my call or does she make sure that I am able to get an appointment easily?
  • Does my doctor take time to answer my list of questions?
  • Does my doctor keep up to date on new medications and treatments for COPD?
  • Does my doctor explains things to me in a way that I can understand?
  • Is my doctor willing to spend time with me or is he or she a “door hugger” looking for an opportunity to exit the room as quickly as possible?
  • Finally, do I trust my doctor enough to follow our agreed upon treatment program?

A good relationship with your doctor is vital if you desire to live a full a life as possible while dealing with your COPD.

COPD Diagnosis – Patient Responsibilites

Just as your doctor has responsibilities in treating your condition, so you have responsibilities in cooperating with your doctor.  Here are some things that you can do to better assist your doctor in treating your COPD.

  • If you smoke, stop smoking!  This is one of the biggest things that you can do.  Ask your doctor for help quitting, if you have been unable.
  • Answer your doctor’s questions honestly.  If you are sneaking  cigarettes, admit to it.  Lying about things that you are doing can interfere with the course of treatment that your doctor prescribes.
  • Tell you doctor about any over-the-counter medicines or herbal medicines you are taking.  Again, these medications could interfere with those prescribed by your doctor.
  • Take time to learn more about COPD.  The more you know, the better you can work with your doctor in living with your COPD.
  • Once your doctor has answered your questions to your satisfaction, follow your doctor’s COPD treatment plan.
  • Always ask questions of your doctor if you don’t understand something.


 COPD Diagnosis – How COPD is Diagnosed

Once you decide to go to your doctor for a COPD diagnosis, he or she will take a medical history and conduct a series of test to determine if you have COPD.  Here are some of test and procedures your doctor may use to determine if you have COPD.

  • First your doctor will take a medical history.  This will consist of an interview where the doctor gathers information about you.  The doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and tell when they first appeared.  The doctor will also want to know about your use of cigarettes and alcohol as well as your occupation and whether you have worked with chemicals, paints, fumes, aerosols, asbestos etc.
  • Your doctor will also check your vital signs including your temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and respiration.  He or she may tap your back to determine air density.  Your doctor will also listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.  Your doctor will check your ankles and legs for swelling.  Your doctor will also look at your fingernails to see if they are a blueish tint, which would indicate a possible condition called Cyanosis, which is a lack of oxygen in the blood.
  • Your doctor may also suggest some of the following tests to help in determining your COPD diagnosis: a pulmonary function test or PFT, a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram, computerized tomography (CT) scan, sputum analysis, exercise stress test, arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) and pulse oximetry.

 COPD Diagnosis – Don’t Procrastinate

COPD is a deadly, debilitating disease, and the sooner you seek a COPD diagnosis, the quicker your doctor can help you with a COPD treatment plan.  If you or someone you love is exhibiting possible signs of COPD, seek immediate medical attention because the sooner your COPD is diagnosed, the less damage will occur to your lungs.

With proper treatment, patients suffering with COPD can still lead productive lives.  Don’t let COPD stop you from living!  For more information about COPD diagnosis, visit the American Lung Association website.

The information found on this website is not intended to be a substitute for guidance from a licensed physician.  Never self-diagnose, always seek proper medical attention.