COPD diagnosis – when you know the facts, you can take targeted action

The next step is a full physical examination. This includes percussion (tapping) and listening to (auscultation) the lungs. In the auscultation the doctor is listening out for wheezes and/or rhonchi (low pitch breath sounds, a bit like snoring). 

The most important diagnostic measure is measuring lung function. Here various breathing manoeuvres are performed while the air that can be breathed in and out in a certain period is measured. If necessary, an examination may include the heart, an X-ray of the lungs or a blood test.

The subsequent exertion test (e.g. bicycle ergometer) determines the physical performance (6-minute walking test). Your lung specialist may arrange further tests: these include allergy diagnosis, more detailed imaging procedures (computer tomography) and bronchoscopy.

After all tests have been performed, your specialist will explain the severity of the disease to you. With the COPD diagnosis there are four different grades, ranging from 1 (mild) to 4 (severe). Your doctor will inform you about possible comorbidities (additional diseases) and further therapies. Also ask them what you yourself can do to positively steer the course of your disease.