If you think you have COPD, the first thing to do is quit smoking. Your pocketbook will thank you, and your lungs will be forever grateful. Is there are pulmonologist who comes to your community once a week or something? That's the definitive way to know whether you have COPD is to see a pulmonologist and get a complete diagnostic workup. That will include a breathing test, called either spirometry or a Pulmonary Function Test. If you can't get that in your little town find the next big town and see if there's a pulmonologist there. You need a pulmonologist to diagnose you and hep you figure out the best treatment. Your health is worth traveling for.

Mine started like that , not being able to breath when bending over. Im 59 and quit smoking a year ago. I am now on oxygen, and multiple medications. You have got to quit . I know its hard but you will be sorry if you dont. I am . Try someway to get a breathing test and workup as was said. Whish you the best of luck!!

Why don't you go to a pulmonologist? That is the most accurate way to determine whether or not you have COPD. Additionally, if you do have COPD you'll be told what stage you are in and a treatment plan will be formulated and put into action. At a minimum you'll receive education about the disease from a professional.

l am about to take a test called Alpha-1 to see if l do have COPD after all these years . It seems to me they should have done this test a long time ago oh maybe it's something they just found out about it's supposed to be and then heritage disease that sounds hard I hate the word disease anyway I ordered this kit if you can get it free online I went to Google's found it and they mailed it to me so now I am waiting to have this test done it can be confused with COPD but I want to know what it is that I have thanks for listening to me.

Excellent advice! Do what Jean said, put those cigarettes in the trash
I was a smoker for 60 yrs and put those killers down 1year ago. I do feel better and really like myself now. It's really not that hard and u will be so proud of yourself. Good luck and you are in my prayers.