1. Monitor the Frequency of Your Respiratory Ailments
Does it seem as though you're always "just getting over a cold"? Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get colds, bronchitis or pneumonia more often than those who have normally functioning lungs. A persistent cough, sore throat and nasal congestion may be more than just an ordinary, accidental respiratory infection. Consider getting a lung function test, especially if you notice an increase in sputum production, or the coughing up of phlegm or blood.
2. Treat Any Existing Asthma and Allergy Conditions
If you also show symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, you may have allergy-induced asthma. Cigarette smoke contains many allergens, so smokers have a high incidence of this condition. People who work or live in places with poor or variable air quality are also at an increased risk for developing allergy-related asthma.
Seeing a doctor for an asthma diagnosis and a management plan is the first step in determining whether you have COPD. Your doctor may not be able to distinguish and confirm all the interrelated issues right away. It may take a while to hit upon the right asthma medication and lifestyle prescriptions, so give the overall plan some time to work. If your asthma symptoms get worse after comprehensive treatment, you may have COPD.
3. Get Doctor Tests and a Diagnosis
To diagnose asthma, doctors use spirometry to measure lung capacity and function. If you are at high risk for COPD, you may undergo spirometry and additional tests to find underlying causes other than asthma, such as emphysema. Your doctor will use your medical history, your response to asthma and allergy treatment, and several tests to diagnose COPD. A chest X-ray, a test for oxygen in the blood and a sputum exam can reveal bronchial problems and rule out some cancers.
Should testing uncover emphysema, low oxygen/CO2 exchange and impaired lung capacity, your doctor will decide whether COPD is the culprit in your breathing problems. Other health issues may complicate the diagnosis and require further exploration.
