Education: Diagnosis - OxygeNation

Many people use oxygen therapy. Some use it temporarily, to treat injuries or acute infections to their lungs. Other people need it to treat chronic diseases. This website is dedicated to people living with a disease that requires them to use or consider using oxygen.

» Signs/Symptoms
» Questionnaire

Signs/Symptoms

There are several symptoms and risk factors that typically lead to a diagnosis of COPD:

Chronic cough: This can be intermittent, or every day. Often it's disregarded as something allergy-related, or a “smoker's cough”. It is usually present all day, and not just at night, to be considered a symptom of COPD.
Chronic sputum (mucus) production: Anytime your body is producing abnormally large or thick amounts of mucus is a good sign that there is a bigger problem. You should see your doctor immediately.
Bronchitis: An acute and recurring problem is a sign of COPD.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea): If you have noticed that you are out of breath very easily, and that it is getting worse, you should see your doctor for a pulmonary function test. Progressive and persistent dyspnea is a sign of COPD. It will typically be worse when you exert yourself (walking, climbing stairs, exercising) and when you are sick.
Medical history: People who smoke or used to smoke, and people who have lived or worked in places with large amounts of dust or chemical fumes in the air are at risk for developing COPD.

Questionnaire: Am I At Risk?

This short questionnaire is meant for new patients, or for people who may be unsure if they need to seek treatment. This is only for your own reference. Only your doctor can diagnose lung disorders.

Have you had a long-term cough that is persistent all through the day?
Do have chronic mucus production when you cough?
Have you had acute bronchitis several times over the last few years?
Do you experience shortness of breath during exercise?
Has your shortness of breath gotten worse when you have been sick?
Do you smoke now, or were you previously a smoker?
Do you have a family history of emphysema or chronic bronchitis?
Do you live or work in the presence of excessive amounts of dust, chemicals, or other airborne irritants?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, you should speak to your doctor about your symptoms and have a spirometry test.