Many people ignore early signs of lung trouble, but undiagnosed COPD can silently damage your health before symptoms worsen, making early diagnosis crucial.
MeiLan Han, M.D.
Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Michigan; Member, GOLD Scientific Committee
Most of us don’t think much about our lungs until something goes wrong. However, our lungs do more than just keep us breathing — they supply oxygen to every part of the body and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product that we don’t want to retain. The truth is, lung damage can build up quietly over time, without obvious warning signs, and by the time breathing becomes difficult, the damage may already be significant.
In recent years, the number of threats to lung health has grown. Poor air quality, more frequent wildfires, exposure to secondhand smoke or chemicals in the workplace, and lingering effects from respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, have all contributed to the issue. Yet even with this growing awareness, one of the most common and serious chronic lung diseases continues to be overlooked: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known as COPD.
Early detection and diagnosis
COPD is a long-term condition that makes it harder to breathe over time. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Right now, it’s the third leading cause of death worldwide. In the United States, about 16 million people have been diagnosed with COPD. However, many individuals may have the disease without being aware of it.
That’s because COPD often comes on slowly. If you’ve noticed a nagging cough, shortness of breath when walking or climbing stairs, or needing to stop and catch your breath more often than before, it might be easy to blame it on age, lack of exercise, or allergies. However, these can also be early signs of COPD. Without diagnosis and treatment, the disease can progress quietly until basic daily activities become increasingly difficult.
The good news is that an early diagnosis can make a significant difference. Treatments are available that can help you breathe more easily, stay active, prevent flare-ups, and reduce the need for hospital visits. Tools like pulmonary rehab, medications, vaccinations, and support to quit smoking (if needed) can all improve your quality of life. But first, you need to know what you’re dealing with.
Diagnosing COPD
The main test used to diagnose COPD is called spirometry. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that can often be performed in a doctor’s office. Unfortunately, this test isn’t used nearly enough. In fact, only about 1 in 3 people in the United States with a diagnosis of COPD have ever had this test. That means many may be misdiagnosed or missed entirely.
To address this issue, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), an international committee of experts dedicated to improving care for COPD, recommends that the disease be considered in any adult who has ongoing shortness of breath, a chronic cough, frequent phlegm production, or repeated lower respiratory infections, especially if there is a history of exposure to risk factors. These exposures can include smoking, but also air pollution, secondhand smoke, dust, chemicals, or fumes at home or in the workplace. In fact, about 1 in 4 people with COPD have never smoked at all. There is no single cause of the disease. For some, it begins with lung infections in early life. For others, it may result from environmental or occupational exposures or an inherited susceptibility. Whatever the underlying cause, early diagnosis is key. The only way to confirm COPD is through spirometry, a simple breathing test that can often be done right in a doctor’s office. It’s a small step that can lead to a big difference in treatment, quality of life, and long-term health.
Taking care of your lungs starts with paying attention to how you feel. If you’ve been brushing off symptoms or avoiding the doctor, now is the time to speak up. COPD is common, but it’s also treatable. With the right support, people living with COPD can lead active, fulfilling lives. It all starts with a conversation. A simple breathing test that could change everything.
