What Is a COPD Test?

A COPD test is a way for healthcare professionals to check if someone has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This long-term lung condition causes breathing problems that slowly get worse over time. The test helps diagnose COPD early so that the right treatment and support can be given to manage the condition [1][2].

Why is a COPD test important?

Many people don’t realise they have COPD until their symptoms become serious. Testing helps:

Confirm a diagnosis of COPD
Understand how well your lungs are working
Rule out other lung conditions, like asthma
Guide your treatment and care plan

What symptoms might lead to a COPD test?

A doctor may recommend a COPD test if you:

Have a long-term cough that won’t go away
Bring up mucus (phlegm) regularly
Feel breathless, even with simple tasks
Have frequent chest infections
Are over 35 and have a history of smoking or exposure to harmful fumes

What tests are used to diagnose COPD?

1. Spirometry

This is the main test for COPD. You blow into a machine called a spirometer, which measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can do it. It shows if your airways are narrowed, which is a sign of COPD.

2. Peak Flow Test

This checks how fast you can blow air out. It’s often used for asthma but may be part of COPD assessment too.

3. Chest X-ray or CT Scan

These images help rule out other lung problems like infections or lung cancer, and may show signs of damage from COPD.

4. Blood Tests

These check oxygen levels and look for other possible causes of your symptoms, such as anaemia or infections.

Is the COPD test painful?

No. Spirometry and other tests are simple, quick, and painless. You may feel slightly out of breath after blowing into the spirometer, but it won’t hurt.

How should you prepare for a COPD test?

Your doctor or nurse may ask you to:

Avoid smoking for a few hours before the test
Skip certain medications temporarily
Wear comfortable clothing so you can breathe easily

Always follow any instructions given before the appointment.

Key Takeaways

A COPD test helps diagnose breathing problems caused by chronic lung damage.
Spirometry is the main test used to check how well your lungs work.
Other tests like chest X-rays and blood tests may also be used to get a full picture.
The tests are safe, quick, and painless.
Early testing can lead to better treatment and help you stay healthier for longer.

Reminder: If you have a long-lasting cough, breathlessness, or are worried about your lungs, speak to your GP. A simple test can make a big difference to your health and quality of life.

Sources

[1] Jones PW, Brusselle G, Dal Negro RW, Ferrer M, Kardos P, Levy ML, Perez T, Soler Cataluña JJ, van der Molen T, Adamek L, Banik N. Properties of the COPD assessment test in a cross-sectional European study. Eur Respir J. 2011 Jul;38(1):29-35. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00177210. Epub 2011 May 12. Erratum in: Eur Respir J. 2012 Jan;39(1):230. PMID: 21565915.

[2] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Diagnosis - NHS