How is COPD diagnosed?

Find out how COPD is diagnosed, including what your GP should ask you, what tests you will need and what COPD stages are. This page covers diagnosis for all types of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

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What will the doctor ask me?

See your GP if you’re worried about any potential COPD symptoms like cough, sputum or breathlessness. They can help you get the right help and support.

Your GP will ask you questions to help diagnose COPD, so it is a good idea to consider these before you see them. Their questions can also help rule out any other conditions. They might ask you about:

  • Your symptoms, for example breathlessness, coughing and wheezing.
  • Whether your symptoms vary much from day to day.
  • How much your symptoms affect your daily life.
  • Whether you had chest trouble as a child or any history of allergic problems like asthma, eczema or hay fever.
  • COPD risk factors you could have, such as a history of smoking or working with certain chemicals and dusts.
  • Other medical conditions you have that can be linked to COPD, like heart problems, anxiety, depression or osteoporosis.  
  • Whether you have had to go into hospital because of chest problems.
  • How much your symptoms affect your daily life.

Your GP might refer you for tests to diagnose you with COPD.  

What tests will I have?

If your doctor thinks you might have COPD, you will need to have a simple breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you can blow out and how quickly. 

Your healthcare professional can use these results to work out if your airways are obstructed. 

We have more information about spirometry, including where you’ll have a spirometry test and who can get a spirometry test.

Everyone with COPD should have spirometry. But you should also have: 

Other tests you might need

Tests you might need Why?
A phlegm (sputum) sample To see if you have a chest infection.
FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide) test  This is a simple blowing test that measures inflammation in the airways. It is often raised in asthma but usually not in COPD. 
Electrocardiogram (ECG) or an echocardiogram To see if you have any heart problems.
CT scan To see what the pattern of lung disease you have and if you have any other lung problems.
Serum alpha-1-antitrypsin To see if you have alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Gas transfer test and lung volume test To understand more about whether COPD is affecting your lung function and see if you might be suitable for some specific treatments.

Get support

Call our helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.

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