Diagnosis To test for COPD, your healthcare provider will ask you some of the following questions: Do you currently smoke or have you smoked in the past How often are you short of breath? What makes your shortness of breath worse? Do you cough? How long have you been coughing? Do you cough up sputum (phlegm, mucus)? Do you or does anyone in your family have a lung disease? Did you have a lot of lung infections when you were younger? Testing for COPD Spirometry: This is the most reliable test to diagnose COPD. It is a simple breathing test that measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale and how quickly they can exhale. Chest X-ray: This test helps the doctor assess if there is any lung damage and it can help show emphysema. It is often recommended to be used with spirometry. Oximetry: This measures the levels of oxygen in your blood by clipping a “probe” to your finger and can be used with other tests to diagnose COPD. Your doctor may order other tests such as lung function tests, CT scans, or a blood test. References:1. BREATHE The Lung Association. A COPD HANDBOOK [Internet]. www.lung.ca. Available from: https://www.lung.ca/sites/default/files/LungAssociation_COPDHandbook_EN… Signs & Symptoms Treatment