Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How do I know if I have Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 12

    Thanks

    Dr Adrian Chazan

    Respiratory & Sleep Medicine Physician

    Dr Adrian Chazan is a Respiratory & Sleep Disorders Physician and General Physician with a number of special interests including asthma and obstructive sleep apnoea. … View Profile

    COPD is a diagnosis made by your doctor (GP or respiratory physician) based on a comprehensive assessment that should include pulmonary function testing. 

    Typical symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, persistent cough and sputum (phlegm), and recurrent chest infections. The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking but it can also be caused by exposure to dust or fumes in the workplace. 

    If you think you may have COPD or chronic lung disease of some sort, you may benefit from asking your GP for a referral to a respiratory physician for a full assessment. 

answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices