COPD Health Education

Getting Tested for COPD

COPD77806CONSSAR00337 Funding for this program provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Find Out if You Have COPDFind Out if You Have COPD

COPD can be diagnosed and treated at any stage, but it is best treated when caught early.1a, 2a

However, some people may not notice COPD symptoms in the early stages. Or they may not know the symptoms they have are related to COPD.3a

Only with the right test can your healthcare provider confirm that you have COPD, and not another breathing condition like asthma.3a

• Ask your healthcare provider about a breathing test called a pulmonary function test (PFT)4b

• One type of PFT is called spirometry – this test measures the health of your lungs and how well they are working4b

Is It COPD?Is It COPD?

• COPD is diagnosed using a test called spirometry1a, 2 – Non-invasive and painless test1a

– Detects COPD even before you have symptoms2a

– Shows severity, or stage, of the condition2a

• Spirometry is measured by blowing into a tube connected to a machine (spirometer), which detects the amount of air blown out and the strength of that breath1a

• You may need to undergo other tests such as a chest x-ray so your healthcare provider can rule out other possible conditions2b

What are the Stages of COPD?What are the Stages of COPD?

Stage I – Mild1

• Airways have narrowed slightly1

• You may have a cough that won’t go away, with or without mucus or phlegm1

Stage I – Mild1

• Airways have narrowed slightly1

• You may have a cough that won’t go away, with or without mucus or phlegm1

Stage II – Moderate1

• Airways have become narrower1

• May be easily winded, especially during brisk activity (e.g., exercising, climbing stairs) 1

Stage II – Moderate1

• Airways have become narrower1

• May be easily winded, especially during brisk activity (e.g., exercising, climbing stairs) 1

Stage III – Severe1

• Airflow in and out of lungs is limited1

• May run out of breath doing the simplest activities1

• Quality of life may be affected1

Stage III – Severe1

• Airflow in and out of lungs is limited1

• May run out of breath doing the simplest activities1

• Quality of life may be affected1

Stage IV – Very Severe1

• Airflow is severely limited (obstructed) 1

• At risk for other serious problems (e.g., lung or heart failure)1

• Quality of life may be diminished1

Stage IV – Very Severe1

• Airflow is severely limited (obstructed) 1

• At risk for other serious problems (e.g., lung or heart failure)1

• Quality of life may be diminished1

Who Should Get Tested?Who Should Get Tested?

• Smokers or people who have ever smoked (cigarettes, pipes, cigars)1a

• People exposed to air pollutants such as chemicals, dust, fumes, and secondhand smoke1a, 1b

• People who have COPD symptoms, including:– Shortness of breath, especially during simple tasks1b, 2a

– Coughing (with or without mucus or phlegm)1b, 2a

– Wheezing1b, 2a

– Tightness in the chest2a, 3a

– Clearing of the throat2a

– Not being able to take a deep breath3a

Why Should You Get Tested?Why Should You Get Tested?

• Only with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can you control COPD symptoms and slow or delay the progression of the disease1a

• Leaving symptoms untreated or undiagnosed may cause them to get worse quickly

Where Can You Get Tested?Where Can You Get Tested?

• Ask your healthcare provider about taking a spirometry test

• For more information: – Visit the resource websites or call the resources listed in the

COPD Health Note– Check out the COPD Foundation’s website to see when they

are offering the Mobile Spirometry Unit for free testing in your area: www.COPDFoundation.org