Testing and Diagnosis
Diagnosis: Pulmonary Function Testing
- Perform or refer for a lung function test-spirometry-to determine the severity. Spirometry with bronchodilator testing may distinguish COPD from asthma.
- A criterion for diagnosis of COPD is a postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7. These patients should receive professional assistance for smoking cessation.
Treatment
- Aggressive management of COPD can make a difference for the patient.
- Advances in therapies have been shown to improve survival or quality of life for COPD patients.