How serious are your breathing problems?

Shortness of breath, coughing (with or without mucus), and wheezing are serious symptoms. Many people mistake them for signs they're getting older or out of shape. But they could be symptoms of chronic
long-term health problem that doesn't go awaychronic obstructive
air-flow out of the lungs is blocked or limitedobstructive pulmonary
having to do with the lungs and breathingpulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis
a long-term, frequently recurring inflammation of the airways which causes breathlessnesschronic bronchitis, emphysema
a chronic lung disease in which there is permanent destruction of air sacs in the lungsemphysema, or both.

This short, 5-question screening tool may help you identify if you are at risk for COPD. Start with question #1 below and click to go to the next. Then print and share the results with your healthcare provider at your next visit.

Question 1 of 5

  1. During the past 4 weeks, how much of the time did you feel short of breath?

None of the time
A little of the time
Some of the time
Most of the time
All of the time