It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Tuberculosis, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
COPD is a slowly progressive disease that cannot be cured. COPD is divided into stages depending on the damage to the lungs. Treatment is mainly focused on lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. Getting regular flu and pneumococcal vaccine as well as pulmonary rehabilitation. Diagnosis will start with a review of the medical history and risk factors such as exposure to cigarette smoke or chemicals. Pulmonary function tests such as spirometry are ordered. Chest CT scans and X-rays can detect emphysema which is one of the main causes for COPD.