Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common and preventable adult lung disease that is usually caused by cigarette smoking. The condition results in airway narrowing and lung tissue destruction which worsens over time.

Patients may experience breathlessness, coughing, sputum production, wheezing (i.e. noisy breathing) and chest tightness.

Below are some simple questions we routinely ask to screen our patients:

• How many years have you smoked?
• Do you cough frequently?
• Do you have trouble with phlegm?
• Do you feel breathless when you walk or climb stairs?

If a patient answers yes to one or more of these questions, they may have COPD. Other lung diseases or general conditions may mimic COPD, thus consultation with a medical professional and lung function testing is important when diagnosing COPD.

Our specialists at the COPD clinic will perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the diagnosis of COPD. Appropriate tests to diagnose other respiratory conditions may also be conducted when suspected.

Our multidisciplinary team comprising doctors, COPD case managers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dieticians and medical social workers work closely together to manage COPD.