Talk to your GP if you have persistent symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Your GP will:
- ask about your symptoms
- examine your chest and listen to your breathing with a stethoscope
- ask if you smoke or used to smoke
- calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your weight and height
- ask if you have a family history of lung problems
They may also:
- arrange for you to have a breathing test called spirometry and some other tests
- refer you to a respiratory care team in the community for further assessment and advice
Important
You cannot test yourself for COPD.
Calculate your body mass index (BMI) - safefood.ie
Spirometry
To diagnose COPD you will have a spirometry test. This test is usually done in the hospital or community respiratory hub.
Chest x-ray
A chest x-ray can be used to look for problems in the lungs that can cause similar symptoms to COPD.
These can include:
But sometimes these conditions do not show up on an x-ray.
Blood tests for COPD
Blood tests can help doctors know what type of COPD you have and what treatments you may need.
A blood test can also pick up other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to COPD. For example, low iron levels (anaemia).
Sometimes your GP may carry out a blood test to see if you have alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. This is a rare genetic problem that increases your risk of COPD.
Further tests for COPD
You may need more tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests can also show how serious your condition is.
You might also need tests to look at other causes for your shortness of breath.
This will help you and your GP plan your treatment.
These tests may include:
- a blood oxygen test - a peg-like device is attached to your finger to measure the level of oxygen in your blood
- a CT scan - an x-ray of a large area of your body to help identify any problems in your lungs
- taking a mucus or phlegm sample - this may be tested to check for signs of a chest infection
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) - a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart
- an echocardiogram - an ultrasound scan of the heart
- more breathing tests that check how well your lungs can exchange oxygen
If you are diagnosed with COPD, your GP will manage your treatment with support from a specialist care team.
