Question 1

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that causes airflow blockage and breathing difficulties. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke, or by Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that damages the lungs. The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test is the most important blood test for COPD because it identifies this genetic cause that requires different treatment approaches.

Question 2

What causes COPD?

Accepted Answer

COPD is caused primarily by long-term exposure to lung irritants that damage the lungs and airways, with cigarette smoking being the leading cause in about 85-90% of cases. Other causes include Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition where your body doesn't produce enough of a protective enzyme that shields lung tissue from damage. Additional risk factors include secondhand smoke exposure, workplace dust and chemicals, indoor air pollution from burning fuel for cooking and heating, and outdoor air pollution.

Question 3

What is the best test for COPD?

Accepted Answer

The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test is the most important blood test for COPD because it identifies the genetic deficiency that causes early-onset COPD, often before age 45, and helps determine if your family members should also be tested. This test measures the protective enzyme that prevents lung tissue breakdown, and low levels indicate you need specialized treatment approaches different from typical COPD management. Additional blood tests that support COPD assessment include the Carbon Dioxide test, which measures how well your lungs are removing CO2 from your blood and indicates disease severity, and the Myeloperoxidase test, which measures inflammation levels to help guide anti-inflammatory treatment decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for COPD?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent cough that lasts for months, shortness of breath especially during physical activities, wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing, or frequent chest tightness. Testing is especially important if you're a current or former smoker over age 40, have a family history of early-onset lung disease, or developed breathing problems at a younger age without significant smoking history. Get tested immediately if you notice your symptoms are getting worse, you're experiencing more frequent respiratory infections, or you're coughing up blood or discolored mucus.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Accepted Answer

COPD symptoms include chronic cough that produces mucus, shortness of breath especially during physical activities, wheezing, chest tightness, frequent respiratory infections, fatigue, and unintended weight loss in advanced stages. You might notice you need to clear your throat frequently in the morning or that you avoid activities because they leave you breathless. Many people dismiss early symptoms as normal aging or being out of shape, but these persistent breathing problems indicate your lungs aren't working properly and need medical evaluation.

Question 6

Who is at risk for COPD?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for COPD include current and former cigarette smokers, individuals over age 40, those with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency, and people with long-term exposure to workplace dust, chemicals, or fumes. Your risk increases if you grew up with secondhand smoke exposure, cook or heat with burning fuel in poorly ventilated spaces, live in areas with high air pollution, or have a history of frequent childhood respiratory infections. Even if you've never smoked, you can develop COPD from genetic factors or environmental exposures, making testing important for anyone with persistent breathing symptoms.

Question 7

What happens if COPD is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated COPD progressively worsens, leading to severe breathing difficulties that limit your ability to perform daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting dressed. The condition increases your risk of serious complications including frequent and severe respiratory infections, heart problems, high blood pressure in lung arteries, lung cancer, and respiratory failure requiring hospitalization. People with advanced untreated COPD often develop depression and anxiety due to breathing limitations, experience dangerous weight loss and muscle weakness, and face significantly reduced life expectancy, making early detection and management critical for maintaining quality of life.

Question 8

Can COPD be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

COPD cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone, as the primary diagnostic tool is spirometry, a breathing test that measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly. However, blood tests play a crucial role in identifying Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency as a genetic cause of COPD, monitoring CO2 levels to assess disease severity and progression, and measuring inflammation markers to guide treatment decisions. Blood work also helps rule out other conditions with similar symptoms and monitors for complications, making it an essential part of comprehensive COPD evaluation when combined with pulmonary function tests and clinical assessment.

Question 9

How is COPD treated?

Accepted Answer

COPD treatment focuses on slowing disease progression, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications through a combination of approaches. The most critical step is quitting smoking if you currently smoke, as this is the only intervention that can slow disease progression. Treatment includes bronchodilator inhalers to open airways, inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, pulmonary rehabilitation programs that teach breathing techniques and exercise, supplemental oxygen therapy for advanced cases, and antibiotics or steroids for flare-ups. People with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency may receive replacement therapy with the missing enzyme, and in severe cases, surgery or lung transplantation might be considered.

Question 10

How can I prevent COPD?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent COPD is to never start smoking or to quit if you currently smoke, as tobacco smoke is the leading cause of the disease. Protect yourself from secondhand smoke exposure, avoid long-term exposure to workplace chemicals and dust by using proper protective equipment, improve indoor air quality by ensuring proper ventilation when cooking or heating, and minimize exposure to outdoor air pollution on high-pollution days. If you have a family history of early-onset lung disease, get tested for Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency to understand your genetic risk and take preventive measures early.

Question 11

What can I do at home for COPD?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage COPD symptoms by practicing pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing techniques to improve oxygen exchange and reduce breathlessness. Stay active with gentle exercises like walking to maintain lung function and muscle strength, use a humidifier to ease breathing especially in dry climates, and maintain good nutrition with frequent small meals to avoid feeling too full to breathe comfortably. Avoid respiratory irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, and cleaning chemicals, stay up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccinations to prevent infections, and position yourself with your head elevated when sleeping to ease nighttime breathing difficulties.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

COPD Blood Test Panel

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

What causes COPD?

What is the best test for COPD?

When should I get tested for COPD?

References

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