COPD Assessment
This section provides targeted resources to support case finding, testing and diagnosis of COPD. The links and documents guide clinicians through identifying patients at risk, conducting appropriate testing such as spirometry, and determining next steps, including treatment, referral and additional investigations.
Other considerations if high clinical suspicion
(i.e. shortness of breath, sputum production, cough, episodes of ‘bronchitis’ or ‘chest infection’, activity limitation’)
Other Diagnostic Considerations
- Initiate empiric therapy: start single long-acting bronchodilator for suspected symptomatic COPD
Additional resources are under development
Case Finding Posters
Spirometry (mandatory for diagnosis)
Respiratory Support and Resources Referral
COPD Confirmed or Suspected by Spirometry result:
Yes: Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AT)
No: Consider Other Investigations, Clinical Diagnoses and/or Referral