What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)? How Is It Diagnosed?

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a chronic lung disease that causes persistent narrowing of the airways and restriction of airflow in the lungs and may have a progressive course. Although long-term smoking is one of the major risk factors, other factors such as air pollution and occupational exposure to dust and chemicals may also play a role in the development of COPD.

In its early stages, COPD may present with mild symptoms that can easily be overlooked in daily life. Over time, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, and phlegm may become more noticeable. Therefore, it is important not to attribute persistent respiratory symptoms solely to age, smoking, or lack of physical fitness.

In this article, we discuss what COPD is, its causes and symptoms, how COPD is diagnosed, which tests are used, and when it is necessary to consult a pulmonologist.

What Is COPD?

COPD is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by persistent restriction of airflow in the lungs. The disease is associated with changes in the airways and lung tissue involved in breathing.

Different types of lung damage and airway changes, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, may occur as part of COPD. Inflammation and narrowing of the airways can make it difficult for air to leave the lungs.

As the disease progresses, shortness of breath may become more noticeable, particularly during physical activity. Some people may also experience becoming tired quickly during daily activities and a decrease in their ability to move.

What Causes COPD?

One of the most important risk factors for the development of COPD is long-term use of tobacco and tobacco products. However, COPD can also develop in people who do not smoke due to various environmental or occupational exposures.

The main risk factors associated with COPD include:

• Long-term use of cigarettes and other tobacco products
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Air pollution
• Long-term exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals
• Occupational exposure to substances that irritate the lungs
• Certain respiratory problems experienced during childhood
• Genetic predisposition

Especially in people who have smoked for many years, symptoms such as cough and phlegm should not be considered a “normal condition caused by smoking.”

What Are the Symptoms of COPD?

COPD symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease and from person to person. In some people, symptoms may remain mild for a long time, while in others they may affect daily life at an earlier stage.

Common symptoms of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
• Persistent or recurring cough
• Phlegm production
• Becoming tired quickly when climbing stairs or walking
• Wheezing
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Reduced capacity for physical activity
• Recurrent respiratory infections

In advanced stages, shortness of breath may also occur during daily activities. Symptoms that worsen over time may require evaluation for COPD.

How Is COPD Diagnosed?

COPD is not diagnosed based solely on symptoms. During the diagnostic process, the person’s symptoms, medical history, smoking history and other exposures, as well as respiratory function, are evaluated.

One of the most important tests used to diagnose COPD is a pulmonary function test called spirometry.

During spirometry, the amount of air a person can breathe in and out and how quickly they can exhale the air are measured. The test helps evaluate airflow limitation in the airways.

The doctor evaluates the spirometry results together with the person’s symptoms and other clinical findings to determine the possibility of COPD.

Which Tests Are Used to Diagnose COPD?

If COPD is suspected, different tests may be performed when considered necessary. The tests used may vary depending on the person’s symptoms, age, medical history, and physical examination findings.

The following methods may be used during the evaluation:

• Pulmonary function test (spirometry)
• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography when necessary
• Evaluation of oxygen levels
• Blood tests
• Additional pulmonary function tests in some cases

A chest X-ray alone cannot diagnose COPD. However, it may help evaluate other lung diseases that can cause similar symptoms.

Why Is Spirometry Important?

Spirometry is one of the basic tests used in the evaluation of COPD. During the test, the person takes a deep breath using a specific maneuver and then exhales as quickly and forcefully as possible.

These measurements provide information about how quickly and how much air can be expelled from the lungs.

The test results are evaluated together with the person’s symptoms and clinical assessment. Therefore, it is not appropriate to make a definitive assessment of a person’s condition based on a single measurement value alone.

What Is the Difference Between COPD and Asthma?

Although COPD and asthma are both diseases that can affect the airways, they are not the same condition.

In asthma, airway narrowing can often be variable and may improve significantly with treatment. In COPD, however, airflow limitation is generally more persistent.

Nevertheless, some people may have features of both asthma and COPD. Therefore, it is important for people with persistent cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath to be evaluated by a pulmonologist rather than diagnosing themselves.

Can COPD Be Treated?

COPD may not be a disease that can be completely eliminated; however, with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, it may be possible to control symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and support quality of life.

Treatment is planned according to the person’s disease severity and overall health condition. Quitting smoking, appropriate medication treatments, supporting physical activity, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy when necessary may be parts of the treatment plan.

The medications to be used and the duration of treatment must be determined by a physician.

Why Is Quitting Smoking Important in COPD?

Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for the development of COPD. For people diagnosed with COPD or at risk of COPD, quitting smoking is an important step in protecting lung health.

Quitting smoking is important not only in terms of COPD but also for reducing the risk of many health problems such as cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.

Therefore, people who smoke and have been experiencing cough, phlegm, or shortness of breath for a long time should have their symptoms evaluated without delay.

What Are COPD Exacerbations?

Some people with COPD may experience periods in which their symptoms become noticeably worse than usual. These are known as exacerbations. Symptoms such as increased shortness of breath, worsening cough, or changes in the amount and appearance of phlegm may occur during these periods.

Respiratory infections and certain environmental factors may trigger exacerbations.

It is important to seek medical evaluation if there is a significant and rapid worsening of symptoms.

What Can Be Done to Prevent COPD?

It may not always be possible to completely prevent COPD. However, avoiding certain risk factors may reduce the risk of developing the disease.

For this purpose:

• Cigarettes and tobacco products should be avoided.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke should be avoided as much as possible.
• Appropriate protective measures should be taken in workplaces where dust, fumes, and chemicals are present.
• Necessary precautions should be taken during periods of high air pollution.
• Health recommendations for protection against respiratory infections should be followed.
• Persistent respiratory symptoms should not be ignored.

Especially in people who have smoked for a long time, regular health evaluations may help detect potential respiratory problems at an early stage.

When Should You Consult a Pulmonologist?

It is important to consult a pulmonologist if you have a persistent cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, or a noticeable decrease in exercise capacity.

These symptoms should be evaluated more carefully, particularly in people with a history of smoking or occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.

In the presence of symptoms such as sudden and severe shortness of breath, chest pain, bluish discoloration, changes in consciousness, or rapidly worsening general condition, a routine examination should not be awaited and emergency medical evaluation should be sought.

Get Support from a Pulmonologist with Happ Health

With our “Health Everywhere, for Everyone, Always” approach, we believe that it is important to recognize changes in respiratory health at an early stage and not to ignore persistent symptoms.

If you have been experiencing cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, or becoming tired quickly during exertion for a long time, or if you think you may be at risk of COPD, you can access pulmonologists through Happ Health’s Online Doctor service.

The specialist physician can evaluate your symptoms and medical history and, if considered necessary, refer you for pulmonary function testing, imaging, or other tests. If a diagnosis is made, they can also help create a treatment and follow-up plan tailored to your needs.

It is particularly important not to overlook symptoms such as persistent cough and shortness of breath by attributing them to smoking or age, so that the underlying cause can be properly evaluated.