What are the five diagnostic criteria for COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is generally diagnosed based on several criteria, including risk factors, clinical symptoms, physical signs, pulmonary function tests, and chest CT scans. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Risk Factors

Patients with COPD typically have risk factors such as smoking. Long-term heavy smoking is one of the major risk factors for COPD. Additionally, exposure to harmful gases or dust, such as occupational dust and chemical substances, may also lead to the development of COPD. If similar risk factors exist in daily life, one should be vigilant for the occurrence of COPD.

2. Clinical Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of COPD is shortness of breath or dyspnea. Common symptoms include chronic cough and sputum production. Initially, these symptoms may only appear during physical exertion, and the cough may be intermittent. As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur even during daily activities or at rest, with worsening cough, increased sputum production. The presence of these symptoms may indicate an increased risk of COPD.

3. Physical Signs

Patients with COPD typically exhibit signs of emphysema, such as a barrel-shaped chest and widened intercostal spaces. Some patients may also show reduced respiratory movement, decreased vocal fremitus, hyperresonance on percussion, diminished breath sounds on auscultation, and occasionally wet rales. The presence of these signs may suggest the occurrence of COPD.

4. Pulmonary Function Test

Pulmonary function impairment is an essential criterion for diagnosing COPD. After inhaling a bronchodilator, if the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is less than 70% of the vital capacity during pulmonary function testing, persistent airflow limitation can be confirmed, leading to a diagnosis of COPD. Furthermore, pulmonary function tests can be used to assess the severity and progression of COPD.

5. Chest CT Scan

If a chest CT scan reveals increased and distorted lung markings, increased and disorganized distribution of pulmonary branches, bronchial rigidity, or changes in lobar translucency, COPD may be present.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain good indoor air circulation and avoid the accumulation of harmful gases, dust, and odors. Indoor environments should maintain appropriate temperature and humidity to help keep the airway open.