• No smoking. Consult our Smoking file to learn about different ways to quit smoking;
• If possible, avoid frequent exposure to secondhand smoke tobacco or an atmosphere laden with dust or toxic gases.

Early COPD can be detected before it even causes symptoms, with tests spirométrie. It is a collection of measurements of the capacity of the lungs (for example, the volumes and flow rates of air flowing through the lungs on inspiration and expiration), made using a spirometer. For the patient, it suffices to blow into a small electronic device equipped with a mouthpiece.

Spirometry has been used for several years in the diagnostic asthma and COPD. Its use in screening was discovered more recently. This examination is performed on doctor’s prescription, in a clinic or hospital. Doctors recommend it to smoking aged 40 and over, to detect lung disease as early as possible and limit its worsening.