Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a treatable, but chronic illness characterized by irreversible changes in the airways and lung parenchyma. Dysfunction of the small airways related to smoking is detectable years before COPD diagnosis is established.
Vast array of methods can be used for such detection; use of some is, however, limited by their cost, availability or invasiveness. This article lists and discusses methods of pulmonary function testing best suitable for early COPD detection in at-risk population.