COPD is initially suspected when people present with long-term difficulty breathing and cough along with a risk factor such as smoking or exposure to pollution.[1] Healthcare providers diagnose COPD based on signs and symptoms, personal and family medical histories, and also test results (lung tests, imaging and blood tests).[2] Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you have COPD; do not self-diagnose.
References
- ^Shari Gentry, Barry GentryChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Diagnosis and ManagementAm Fam Physician.(2017 Apr 1)
- ^The content of this page was partially adapted from MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine