🚀 COPD Memory Guide

Diagnosis of COPD (Quick Steps)

HISTORY

• Chronic dyspnea, cough ± sputum.
• Risk factors: smoking, air pollution, occupational exposure.
• Family history: consider α₁-antitrypsin deficiency.

PHYSICAL EXAM

• Barrel chest, accessory muscle use, decreased breath sounds, cyanosis (late).

SPIROMETRY (Confirmatory)

• Post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC < 0.7 = COPD.
• Severity by FEV₁ % predicted (GOLD 1–4).

IMAGING

• CXR: hyperinflation, flat diaphragm.
• CT chest (for emphysema details).

LABS/OTHER TESTS

• ABG (in severe cases): hypoxemia/hypercapnia.
• α₁-antitrypsin assay (young, nonsmokers).

ASSESS RISK & SYMPTOMS

• Exacerbation history (0–1 or ≥2).