Yes docs can get some information but the definitive diagnostic tool is spirometer or a pulmonary function test with a ct scan. X-rays don't show much

COPD does NOT show up on a chest x-ray unless it advanced.
Abnormal chest X-ray findings are usually not seen until COPD is severe. In this case, the X-ray may show:
Flattening of the diaphragm, the large muscle that separates the lungs and heart from the abdominal cavity.
Increased size of the chest, as measured from front to back.
A long narrow heart.
Abnormal air collections within the lung (focal bullae).
A normal chest X-ray does not mean you do not have COPD. It may be most useful for ruling out other conditions that might be causing your breathing problems, such as lung cancer, heart failure, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.

A chest x ray or chest CT scan. These tests create pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The pictures can show signs of COPD. They also may show whether another condition, such as heart failure, is causing your symptoms. Hope this helps you out.

No most of the time .your flare ups will be because of stuff like pneumonia.colds stuff like that and xrays will show that and it's a way of them ruling out all the bad stuff cancer and stuff .

That happened to me that's how I found out