Understanding COPD: Symptoms, Testing, and Protecting Your Lungs

You may have recently been told by your doctor that you have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). You might also hear this condition referred to as COAD (Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease), emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Being diagnosed with a chronic lung condition can feel overwhelming, but understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better. COPD describes changes in the lungs that gradually affect how well they function over time.

While the most common cause of COPD is a history of cigarette smoking, many other factors can contribute. These include a long history of asthma, exposure to dust or chemicals at work, premature birth, genetics, and air pollution.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

COPD affects everyone differently, but common symptoms include:

- Shortness of breath: You may find yourself getting winded doing daily activities, like walking a certain distance or climbing a flight of stairs.

- A persistent cough: A cough that doesn’t go away and often produces phlegm or mucus.

- Flare-ups (Exacerbations): Sometimes called “COPD attacks” these are periods where your symptoms suddenly get worse. Flare-ups may require you to take extra medication for a few days, or in some cases, visit the hospital.

How is COPD tested?

To look after your lungs properly, your doctor will want to understand exactly how they are working. This usually involves a few different tests:

- Spirometry (Lung Function Test): This is the most important test for COPD. It involves breathing hard and fast into a machine to measure the volume of air you can push out of your lungs. It confirms your diagnosis and tells us about your current lung function.

- Blood Tests: Certain blood tests (like checking your "eosinophil" levels) can actually help your doctor decide which specific inhaler will work best for you.

- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: Taking a picture of your lungs helps rule out other causes of breathlessness.

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program: If you are between the ages of 50 and 70 and have a history of smoking, your doctor might recommend a special, low-dose CT scan. Think of this like a mammogram or a bowel cancer screening, but for your lungs. It is a free program designed to detect small spots in your lungs early, long before they become serious.

Managing COPD and Preventing Progression

If you have a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COPD, there are many steps we can take to keep you as healthy as possible and protect your lung function.

1. Lifestyle Changes

- Quitting Smoking: If you currently smoke or use e-cigarettes, stopping is the single most important thing you can do to slow down COPD and protect your lungs. Quitting is incredibly difficult, but you don't have to do it alone. Resources like Quitline, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescription medications can greatly improve your chances of success.

- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Your doctor will likely recommend a pulmonary (lung) rehab program. This is a structured exercise and education program designed specifically for people with lung conditions. It helps you improve your fitness and teaches you how to breathe more efficiently, resulting in fewer symptoms during your daily life.

2. Medications and Prevention

- Vaccinations: With COPD, you are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from common respiratory viruses and bacteria. To protect your lungs and prevent flare-ups, it is highly recommended that you keep up to date with your Influenza (Flu), COVID-19, Pneumococcal, and RSV vaccinations.

- Inhalers: If you have symptoms, you will likely be prescribed an daily inhaler. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and work in different ways to open your airways and reduce inflammation. Your doctor may adjust or add to your inhalers over time depending on your symptoms. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your inhaler technique to ensure you are getting the full dose.

3. Advanced Therapies

For a smaller group of patients, standard inhalers might not be enough. If this is the case, you will likely be referred to a specialist respiratory physician (lung doctor). They can provide access to advanced therapies, which may include specialised tablets, biologic injections, home oxygen, breathing machines (non-invasive ventilation), or in highly selected cases, surgery.

What should I do next?

If you are worried about your lung health, or if your breathlessness is impacting your life, it is important to speak to your doctor. Sometimes, shortness of breath can be caused by other conditions, and a proper medical assessment can help rule those out.

You may also benefit from a referral to a respiratory physician to help fine-tune your care and access advanced treatments.

For more free information and resources to help you manage your lung health, visit the Lung Foundation Australia website: https://lungfoundation.com.au/