Rules identified with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD guidelines) screening have been issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Additionally, this association distributed rules on counteracting tobacco use and smoking end.

Different rules incorporate general COPD guidelines (eg, GOLD rules) and US Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) rules. Joint rules for stable COPD the executives have been issued by the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society.

COPD Guidelines – Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of COPD may include:

• Shortness of breath
  
• Wheezing
  
• Tightness in the chest
  
• A chronic cough, with or without mucus that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
  
• Frequent respiratory infections
  
• Lack of energy
  
• Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
  
• weight loss
  
• Fatigue
  
• Bluish or gray fingernails or lips due to low oxygen levels in your blood
  
• Trouble in speaking
  

COPD Guidelines – Causes

Long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and the airways usually is the cause of COPD. Causes of airway obstruction include Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis.

In the vast majority of cases, the lung damage that leads to COPD is caused by long-term cigarette smoking. But there are likely other factors at play in the development of COPD, such as a genetic susceptibility to the disease, because only about 20 to 30 percent of smokers may develop COPD.

Other irritants can cause COPD, including cigar smoke, secondhand smoke, pipe smoke, air pollution and workplace exposure to dust, smoke or fumes.

Risk factors for COPD

• Tobacco smoke is the greatest risk factor for COPD in the developed world. Air pollution, occupational dusts and chemicals, and other risk factors can also increase the risk of developing this disease.
  
• Preterm birth that leads to lung damage (neonatal chronic lung disease).
  
• Inherited factors (genes), including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a rare condition in which your body may not be able to make enough of a protein (alpha-1 antitrypsin) that helps protect the lungs from damage. People who have this disorder and who smoke generally start to have symptoms of emphysema in their 30s or 40s. Those who have this disorder but don’t smoke generally start to have symptoms in their 80s.
  

COPD Diagnosis

To diagnose COPD, your doctor will do the following tests:

• Medical history and physical exam
  
• Lung function test or Pulmonary function test
  
• Chest X-ray
  
• Oximetry
  
• Spirometry
  
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  
• Arterial blood gas test
  
• Transfer factor for carbon monoxide

COPD Guidelines – Complications

• Respiratory infections
• Heart problems
• Lung cancer
• High blood pressure
• Depression

• Stop smoking
  
• Avoid secondhand smoke, pollution, dust and other airborne contaminants
  
• Live a healthy lifestyle
  
• Get seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce exacerbations and hospitalization
  
• The earlier COPD is detected, the better the potential outcome. So, be sure to talk with your health care team if you have signs, symptoms or concerns.