What is COPD Evaluation & Monitoring?
COPD care starts with an accurate diagnosis by spirometry and continues with regular, structured review. Each visit assesses symptoms, flare-up history, lung function, exercise capacity and oxygen levels, and reviews inhalers, vaccinations, smoking cessation and rehabilitation needs — so that treatment can be adjusted to your stage of disease.
Why it is done
- Suspected COPD in people with smoking or smoke exposure
- Known COPD with ongoing breathlessness or frequent flare-ups
- Assessment for oxygen or home non-invasive ventilation
Before the procedure
- Bring all your inhalers and previous reports
- Avoid smoking before lung function testing
During the procedure
- Spirometry with bronchodilator testing
- Six-minute walk test and oxygen assessment when indicated
- Inhaler technique and treatment review
- A written plan for managing flare-ups
After the procedure
- Follow-up at regular intervals, sooner after a flare-up
- Referral for pulmonary rehabilitation where appropriate
Safety & risks
Assessment involves non-invasive tests and is very safe.
Preparation instructions may differ for individual patients — please follow the specific advice given at your consultation.