COPD Health Education

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COPD Health Education
Getting Tested for COPD
COPD77806CONSSAR00337
Funding for this program provided by Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
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Find Out if You Have COPD

• Only with the right test can your healthcare
  provider confirm that you have COPD, and not
  another breathing condition like asthma.3a
• Ask your healthcare provider about a breathing
  test called a pulmonary function test (PFT)4b
• One type of PFT is called spirometry this test
  measures the health of your lungs and how well
  they are working4b

• COPD can be diagnosed and treated at any stage,
  but it is best treated when caught early.1a, 2a
• However, some people may not notice COPD symptoms
  in the early stages. Or they may not know the
  symptoms they have are related to COPD.3a

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Is It COPD?

• COPD is diagnosed using a test called
  spirometry1a, 2
• Non-invasive and painless test1a
• Detects COPD even before you have symptoms2a
• Shows severity, or stage, of the condition2a
• Spirometry is measured by blowing into a tube
  connected to a machine (spirometer), which
  detects the amount of air blown out and the
  strength of that breath1a
• You may need to undergo other tests such as a
  chest x-ray so your healthcare provider can rule
  out other possible conditions2b

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What are the Stages of COPD?

• Stage I Mild1
• Airways have narrowed slightly1
• You may have a cough that wont go away, with or
  without mucus or phlegm1

• Stage II Moderate1
• Airways have become narrower1
• May be easily winded, especially during brisk
  activity (e.g., exercising, climbing stairs) 1

• Stage III Severe1
• Airflow in and out of lungs is limited1
• May run out of breath doing the simplest
  activities1
• Quality of life may be affected1

• Stage IV Very Severe1
• Airflow is severely limited (obstructed) 1
• At risk for other serious problems (e.g., lung or
  heart failure)1
• Quality of life may be diminished1

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Who Should Get Tested?

• Smokers or people who have ever smoked
  (cigarettes, pipes, cigars)1a
• People exposed to air pollutants such as
  chemicals, dust, fumes, and secondhand smoke1a,
  1b
• People who have COPD symptoms, including
• Shortness of breath, especially during simple
  tasks1b, 2a
• Coughing (with or without mucus or phlegm)1b, 2a
• Wheezing1b, 2a
• Tightness in the chest2a, 3a
• Clearing of the throat2a
• Not being able to take a deep breath3a

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Why Should You Get Tested?

• Only with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan
  can you control COPD symptoms and slow or delay
  the progression of the disease1a
• Leaving symptoms untreated or undiagnosed may
  cause them to get worse quickly

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Where Can You Get Tested?

• Ask your healthcare provider about taking a
  spirometry test
• For more information
• Visit the resource websites or call the resources
  listed in the COPD Health Note
• Check out the COPD Foundations website to see
  when they are offering the Mobile Spirometry Unit
  for free testing in your area www.COPDFoundation.
  org