Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening asymptomatic adults.[82]US Preventive Services Task Force. Final recommendation statement: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: screening. May 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-screening The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines advocate early case-finding by performing spirometry in patients with symptoms and/or risk factors for COPD.[1]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2025 report. 2025 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report ​ Decline in lung function is decreased when COPD is diagnosed at an early stage and risk factors are eliminated.[83]Welte T, Vogelmeier C, Papi A. COPD: early diagnosis and treatment to slow disease progression. Int J Clin Pract. 2015 Mar;69(3):336-49. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijcp.12522 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25363328?tool=bestpractice.com  

UK guidelines advise spirometry in all patients ages 35 years or older who are current or former smokers and have a chronic cough, to detect cases at an early stage. Clinicians should also consider conducting screening spirometry in all patients with findings compatible with emphysema on chest x-ray or computed tomography of the chest.[2]National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management. Jul 2019 [internet publication]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng115 Significant pulmonary dysfunction may be present in asymptomatic smokers.