When to See the Doctor
Most people do not know they are developing COPD until symptoms appear. Fifty-three is the average age that COPD is diagnosed. If you are a smoker, see your doctor and talk about COPD. And ask how you can stop smoking.
Don't think that because you have smoked for many years that the damage is done so you may as well continue to smoke. Every cigarette you smoke does more damage. It's never too late to quit. Your doctor can help you. The sooner you stop smoking the less damage you'll be doing to your lungs.
If you are having symptoms or if you or your doctor are concerned about COPD, he or she can offer spirometry testing. Spirometry is a simple lung function test that measures lung volumes. Commonly used to determine the severity of asthma, spirometry is now used to diagnose COPD.
More on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (Lung) Diseases Spirometry
In the Encyclopedia: Cough
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
|
