Learning the Signs That Lead to COPD

DEAR DR. ROACH: What signs and/or symptoms do you need for a doctor to determine whether you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? -- R.K.

ANSWER: The diagnosis of COPD is suspected in people who are at risk for the disease and note one of two cardinal symptoms: cough or dyspnea. (A “symptom” is what a patient identifies by history, while a “sign” is noted on a physical exam. A cough can be both a symptom and a sign.) Dyspnea is usually described as shortness of breath, a sensation that a person can’t get enough air, like they have just run very fast. Some people with COPD may have very subtle symptoms.