COPD is often misdiagnosed due to inadequate history taking and misunderstanding of how to perform and interpret tests such as spirometry.
A careful history that points to a diagnosis of COPD should be supported by objective evidence of irreversible airflow obstruction and exclusion of other possible causes for symptoms.
Whilst spirometry has been paused due to the pandemic, this session will look at what can be done instead to support a possible COPD diagnosis.
Another important aspect of diagnosis is to identify the impact of COPD on patients’ physical and psychological health in order to plan appropriate management strategies.