How to Determine if You Have COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of three main lung diseases that affect airways and make it difficult to breathe: chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis. These conditions damage airways over time and interfere with your ability to breathe properly. Symptoms of COPD can vary depending upon which chronic condition is more prominent; therefore, you can suffer from varying combinations of symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose COPD, but understanding which symptoms to look for will help you determine if you have COPD and should seek medical attention.

Instructions

• 1

  Working around chemicals can also contribute to COPD.

  Look at your lifestyle. If you have been or are currently a smoker or live around secondhand smoke, the breathing troubles you are experiencing may be COPD. Living in areas with air pollution or working around toxic chemicals or fumes can also cause COPD.

• 2

  Suffering from chronic respiratory conditions may cause COPD.

  Think about your past health history. People who suffer from chronic colds, flu or pneumonia may eventually have COPD.

• 3

  Wheezing and shortness of breath are symptoms of COPD.

  Look for symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness, as these are all common for both emphysema and COPD. Other symptoms include a chronic cough, the need to clear your throat upon waking and episodes of wheezing while performing everyday tasks.

• 4

  Watch for signs of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Experiencing breathing issues as well as GERD may be a sign of COPD.

• 5

  Breathing concerns and high blood pressure are symptoms of COPD.

  Keep an eye on your blood pressure. People with COPD tend to have high blood pressure, so if you have problems breathing and have high blood pressure, you may be suffering from COPD as well.