“Often COPD can be hard to diagnose because symptoms can be the same as those of other lung conditions. Many people who have COPD may not be diagnosed until the disease is advanced.  There are tests a GP or pulmonologist can order. Treatment is based on how severe your symptoms are and whether you often have bouts when symptoms get worse. These bouts are called exacerbations. Effective therapy can control symptoms, slow how fast the condition worsens, lower the risk of complications and improve your ability to lead an active life.

The most essential step in any treatment plan for COPD is to quit all smoking. Stopping smoking can keep COPD from getting worse and making it harder to breathe. But quitting smoking isn’t easy, especially if you’ve tried to quit and haven’t been successful.

Talk with your healthcare professional about stop-smoking programs, nicotine replacement products and medicines that might help.”

MAYO Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353685)