Topics:
- COPD
Finding out you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also called COPD, can feel overwhelming. Many people who are newly diagnosed have questions about what their diagnosis means, what happens next and how it will affect their future
The good news is that you are not alone and there are steps you can take to better understand and manage your health. We spoke with Tiffany, one of the American Lung Association’s Lung Health Navigators and a registered respiratory therapist, along with two people living with COPD, about the questions and concerns they faced right after diagnosis. Here are the top things they want people newly diagnosed with COPD to know about living with this disease
First Things First: Has Your Diagnosis Been Confirmed?
One of the most important things to know is that COPD cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue, can have many causes. Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, are the standard way to confirm a COPD diagnosis
Tiffany notes, “Many people contact us after being told they have COPD based on symptoms alone. They’re understandably scared and have spent hours reading information online but have not yet undergone pulmonary function testing to confirm their diagnosis.”
Cindy L., recently diagnosed with COPD, shares, “I was initially told I had two different conditions before seeing a lung specialist and undergoing spirometry testing. That is when I was finally diagnosed with COPD.”
What If You Aren’t Sure If You Have COPD?
“There are steps you can take to help ensure your diagnosis is accurate and that you are on the right treatment path,” says Tiffany. Ask your healthcare provider whether you have had spirometry or pulmonary function testing if you are not sure. These are required tests for diagnosing COPD. Request clarification if you’re unsure how your diagnosis was made. And if you haven’t already seen a lung specialist, known as a pulmonologist, ask your provider for a referral. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward getting the care and support you need.
Will S. explains that he was initially seen by his primary care provider after his diagnosis and beyond receiving medication, did not learn much about his condition. “Once I was referred to a pulmonologist, I learned about pulmonary rehabilitation and other tools for better managing my disease.”
How Long Am I Going to Live?
Tiffany says that this is often one of the first questions that people ask, but it is also one of the hardest to answer. COPD affects everyone differently, and many people live active, fulfilling lives years after diagnosis with proper treatment and self-management. Factors like what stage your disease is at, smoking history, overall health, other health conditions, physical activity and access to treatment all play a role. Rather than focusing on a specific timeline, Tiffany suggests to, “focus on what you can do today and going forward to protect your lung health.” You can do this by:
- Keeping all recommended medical appointments
- Avoiding tobacco use, vaping and secondhand smoke
- Staying as physically active as possible
- Building a strong support system
- Learning about your condition and how to manage it
- Taking care of your emotional health
- Talking openly with your healthcare team about concerns and goals
“It has been difficult,” Cindy says of navigating life after her COPD diagnosis. Like many people who are newly diagnosed, she has questions and concerns about what her future will look like and reached out to the Lung Health Navigator program for help understanding and managing her disease
What Can I Do to Feel Better or Slow the Disease Down?
Many people want to know what they can do right after diagnosis. While there is currently no cure for COPD, there are proven treatments and lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms, reduce flare-ups (also called exacerbations) and support a better quality of life. In addition to Tiffany’s other suggestions, steps that you can take to make a difference include taking your prescribed medications as directed, following your COPD Action Plan, attending pulmonary rehabilitation, getting your recommended vaccines and learning to recognize symptoms that may signal a flare up.
Will shares that one way he proactively manages his disease is by “calling my pulmonologist’s office as soon as I think I may be getting sick so that I can get guidance on whether they want me to come in or start taking an antibiotic to avoid a flare-up.”
What Should I Do While Waiting to See a Pulmonologist?
Many people newly diagnosed with COPD share frustration with Tiffany when they learn that specialist appointments may take weeks or months to schedule. While that can feel frustrating, Tiffany encourages people that she works with to use this time to prepare for the appointment. While waiting, you can keep a list of symptoms and questions, learn more about COPD from trusted sources like the Lung Association and ask if pulmonary function testing can be done before your visit, if it hasn’t been done yet. Stay in touch with your primary care provider during this time, especially if your symptoms change, worsen or if you have questions about managing your COPD in the meantime.
What Does a Support Network Help Me With?
Living with COPD can be challenging, and having a strong support system can make a meaningful difference. In addition to your healthcare team, support from family, friends and others who understand what you’re going through can help you navigate the ups and downs of living with a chronic lung disease. Connecting with a support group, such as the American Lung Association’s Better Breathers Clubs, can provide education, encouragement and a sense of community
Will shares, “The Better Breathers Club has been a great re is extremely valuable. Hearing what other people are experiencing has helped me learn a lot and reminds me that I’m not alone.”
Next Steps
A COPD diagnosis can bring a lot of questions and uncertainty, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Taking an active role in your care by confirming your diagnosis, connecting with a specialist, learning about your condition and building a strong support network can help you feel more confident and in control. The American Lung Association’s Lung Health Navigators, including Tiffany, are available to answer questions, provide trusted information and connect you with resources to help get you on the right path.
Learn more at Lung.org/navigator
Support for this educational content was provided by Sanofi, Regeneron, Genentech and AstraZeneca
Blog last updated: August 13, 2026
