Tests overview

In the early stages, breathing tests are the only way to diagnose COPD. If you are wondering whether it may be time to talk with your doctor about COPD, go through the following COPD checklist. If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," make that appointment.

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• Have you smoked for many years?
• Have you had several bouts of bronchitis?
• Do you have a chronic cough and bring up mucus from your lungs?
• Do you have a morning "smoker's hack"?
• Do you have chest colds every winter?
• Do your colds seem to last for weeks, instead of days?
• Do you get out of breath during daily activities?
• Has there been a change in your breathing?

To determine whether you have COPD, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and take a detailed medical history, which will include questions about family, job, habits, hobbies, current medications, and symptoms.

The doctor also may order tests to evaluate your breathing: These may include:

• Pulmonary function tests
• Imaging tests such as X-rays
• Mucus culture