A diagnosis of COPD is made by history and physical, arterial
blood gases (ABGs), complete blood count (CBC), chest xray, CT
scan, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), carbon monoxide diffusion
capacity, pulse oximetry and sputum culture. There are many
benefits to oxygen therapy, especially if you have COPD or other
chronic diseases. Learn the benefits of supplemental oxygen and
why oxygen safety tips are important. Many people with COPD also
have heart disease and/or heart failure. Discover why these
conditions often co-exist, and how having both can impact your
prognosis. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a
lung disease characterized by a blockage of the airways that
makes it hard to breathe. Learn the facts about COPD, including
symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this
lung disease and how to quit smoking. Changes in the lungs
caused by COPD are responsible for the varying degrees of COPD
symptoms. Find out more about changes in the lungs that occur
because of the COPD dis