Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Working with Your Doctor

How is COPD Diagnosed?

To determine whether you have COPD, you will need to be diagnosed by your doctor, as follows:

• Medical History Review: Your doctor will review your medical history (e.g., smoking history, physical symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up sputum and the color of the sputum) and your family history of lung disease.
• Chest X-ray: Your doctor may order a chest x-ray to determine if your symptoms are due to a heart or lung problem.
• Breathing (Spirometry) Test: This test is used to both diagnose and determine COPD severity. It is a simple and very reliable test than can be done in your doctor's office or at the hospital. You will be asked to take the deepest breath possible, place your mouth on a tube that is connected to a measurement device, and blow out as hard and as fast as you can. The spirometry test measures breathing capacity.
• Oximetry: this test measures the oxygen concentration in the blood by applying a probe on your finger.

• Are a smoker or an ex-smoker
• Have asthma
• Have a family history of emphysema
• Your occupation regularly exposes you to lung irritating industrial fumes and dust

To learn more about managing COPD, see Important Questions about COPD Care.

Tips for Working with Your Doctor

• Choose your family doctor carefully. Look for someone who is knowledgeable about COPD and who is interested in working cooperatively with you. Your doctor should be familiar with the latest clinical guidelines for COPD care.
• Learn as much as you can about COPD. Understand what type of care is recommended for people with COPD. Ask your doctor questions and identify problems that may need extra attention.
• Work with your doctor to set goals for better management of your condition.
• Meet with a COPD educator to learn more about how to manage your illness.
• Your family doctor will manage most of your COPD care, but you may be referred to other medical specialists when necessary. For instance, you may be referred to a respirologist. Physiotherapists, nutritionists, and respiratory rehabilitation programs also play an important role in COPD care. Your family doctor and other medical specialists work together as a team. Don't hesitate to ask for a referral if you think it is necessary.
• Make sure you understand what medicines you should be taking, what they are for, how they work, how to take them, and possible problems/side-effects.
• If you find it difficult to follow your doctor's instructions or are reluctant to take a prescription medicine because of side effects, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Keep a health diary or logbook to record your symptoms, the medications you use, the amount of medication you use, and any changes in your condition.
• Take responsibility for your own health. This includes making necessary lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking.
• Don't hesitate to express your concerns or ask questions about your COPD care. Active involvement in your own care is critical. You can and should be involved in decisions about your treatment.

Your COPD Team

COPD management is a team effort. Members of your COPD team might include:

• Doctor
• Pharmacist
• Respirologist
• Respiratory therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Dietician
• Occupational therapist
• Respiratory rehabilitation clinic
• Stop smoking program