How COPD is Diagnosed

If you and your doctor suspect you have COPD and he will schedule tests for you to verify the diagnosis. The following is a list of tests he may want to perform:

Medical History and Physical Examination

A medical history can help you doctor asses your risk factors. He will ask you if you are or were ever a smoker. If so, you will need to tell him how many packs per day you smoked, and for how many years. Communicate any problems you have been having, including breathlessness and exposures to chemicals or dusts.

A physical examination will help your determine if there are any signs of respiratory abnormalities. He will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to determine if any abnormal sounds are heard. He may also look at your skin and legs for discoloration and swelling.

Tests you doctor may order:

Chest X-Ray

CT Scan

Pulmonary Function Test

Arterial Blood Gas Test

Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity

Pulse Oximetry Test

Sputum Culture

Source: A.D.A.M.