The doctor will take a thorough history of your medical history and symptoms. The most common test used to diagnose COPD is a lung function test; this where a person is ask to breathe in and out into a machine and various readings are taken. Additional tests may include a chest x-ray or a CT scan.

Although COPD is a chronic, progressive disease with no cure, there are a number of options for managing the symptoms and improving one’s quality of life.

The most important step in managing your COPD is to stop smoking. In addition to quitting smoking it is also advisable to avoid things that irritate your lungs (like dust, strong fumes, smoke and the like).

Good hygiene (for example, hand washing) can reduce the chances of you getting sick. You can also speak to your doctor about possible vaccinations that would be suitable for you. Recognising the signs of an exacerbation (worsening of symptoms) is also important so that you can get early treatment. Signs of an exacerbation include:

• A change in the amount or colour of the mucus
• Difficulty getting the mucus out
• Worsening cough
• Cold or flu-like symptoms, fevers
• Worsening breathlessness with activity or at rest
• Worsening wheeze.

It is important to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor; even though you may be feeling fine, the medications aim to help control and slow the progression of COPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured programme that aims to help improve your exercise tolerance and make physical activity easier. People who take part in pulmonary rehabilitation programmes have reported improved levels of activity, reduced breathlessness with activity and improved quality of life. Your doctor or physiotherapist should be able to advise you on a suitable programme.

Surgery is an option for some people, but it depends on how advanced the condition is. In more advanced COPD, oxygen therapy is often used. This may be only for a certain amount of time during the day or continuously.