Screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
Screening Tests
Many of the same tests used to diagnose COPD in persons with symptoms of the disease are also used to screen persons without significant symptoms but with important risk factors, such as long-term smoking or exposure to lung irritants. Some groups advocate using simple office spirometry as an initial screening exam for people at higher risk of COPD. Spirometry involves breathing in deeply, then exhaling quickly and fully into a meter device (spirometer) that measures information about lung volume. For details of other tests, see Diagnosis of COPD .
Screening Guidelines
Screening is sometimes recommended for adults who are at increased risk of developing COPD. These people include:
- Smokers
- People with asthma
- People with a strong family history of COPD
- People with significant occupational exposures to lung irritants
References:
American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22542 .
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed June 2008 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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