More than 16 million people in the United States are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Millions more are living with the disease but remain undiagnosed.
The first step toward diagnosis is to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and risk factors. Start the conversation early and do not wait until your symptoms interfere with your everyday activities.
Could It Be COPD? Questionnaire
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of illness, yet many people do not know they have it.
Answer these questions to find out if you should talk to your healthcare provider about being tested for COPD.
Do you cough several times most days?
Please confirm.
A frequent or chronic cough is a sign of COPD. Other examples of signs and symptoms include tiredness or fatigue, chest tightness, shortness of breath and/or frequent lung infections.
Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
Please confirm.
Bringing up sputum (also called mucus or phlegm) is a sign of COPD. Other examples of signs and symptoms include tiredness or fatigue, chest tightness, shortness of breath and/or frequent lung infections.
Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
Please confirm.
People who get out of breath more easily compared to others their age may be experiencing a sign of COPD.
Are you older than 40 years?
Please confirm.
COPD is more common in people who are over 40 years old however if you are experiencing other symptoms of COPD, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Are you a current smoker or an ex-smoker?
Please confirm.
Some examples of risk factors include current or past tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, family history of COPD, and workplace exposures to dust, chemicals and fumes.
Results
Since you answered yes to three or more of these questions, ask your doctor if you should get evaluated for COPD. Your doctor will review your symptoms and risk factors, conduct a physical exam and order a lung function test. A lung function test is required diagnose COPD.
Finding COPD early gives the best chance to prevent further lung damage. Treatments are available to help people at all stages of disease feel better and live a more active life.
Since you answered yes to two or less questions, you might not need to be evaluated for COPD. However, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any respiratory symptoms you are experiencing.
Summary of your answers:
- Yes - You cough several times most days.
- No - You do not cough several times most days.
- Yes - You bring up mucus or phlegm on most days.
- No - You do not bring up mucus or phlegm on most days.
- Yes - You get out of breath more easily than others your age.
- No - You do not get out of breath more easily than others your age.
- Yes - You are older than 40 years.
- No - You are 40 years old or under.
- Yes - You currently smoke or smoked in the past.
- No - You do not currently smoke and have not smoked in the past
This questionnaire was developed by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). For more information please visit goldcopd.org
This publication was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Are you at risk of COPD?
Anyone can develop COPD; but if you are 40 years old or older and have a history of tobacco use, you may be at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of COPD; however, one in four people who develop COPD never smoked. Other causes and risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, workplace exposures and a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
What are the early warning signs of COPD?
Having a chronic cough or shortness of breath is not a normal part of aging. COPD may develop slowly, and as your lung function worsens, it becomes harder to breathe, remain active and continue to do the things you enjoy.
Not everyone has the same COPD symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include:
- shortness of breath
- cough that may bring up sputum (also called mucus or phlegm)
- wheeze
- chest tightness
- fatigue or tiredness
- reoccurring lung infections like acute bronchitis or pneumonia
Only your healthcare provider can diagnose COPD. A spirometry test will be ordered if your healthcare provider suspects you have COPD. The results of the spirometry test can determine if you have COPD.
Does this sound like you?
This webpage was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $400,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Page last updated: July 29, 2026
