How do they test for copd and asthma?

to see if you have copd or asthma, ive been told today by GP that he thinks i have COPD, and that it cant be asthma as would have had it from a child, now 45, but been told by a relative that a test is needed to determine which one it is as ucan get asthma anytime in life, is this right

The onset of asthma typically occurs during childhood or adolescence. COPD most often develops in smokers and former smokers who are in their mid-40s. Asthma exacerbation is characterized by recurrent wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, and often have identifiable triggers such as allergens, cold air or exercise. However, exacerbations in COPD patients are commonly caused by respiratory tract infections. With treatment, asthma patients have near-normal lung function and are symptom-free between exacerbations. COPD patients rarely experience a day without symptoms. Airflow obstruction in COPD sufferers is only partially reversible with smoking cessation and bronchodilator use.
Bronchodilators are the first-line maintenance treatment for COPD.
The first-line maintenance therapy for most patients with asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid, with the addition of a bronchodilator if needed to control symptoms.
All persons aged 45 or older who currently smoke or have quit smoking should have spirometric testing. Spirometry can also be used to monitor progression of COPD.

You need a full Pulmonary Function test. In order to confirm diagnosis the results of these tests need to meet certain standards.
They do a residual volume, Expiratory reserve volume, total lung capacity by helium dilution, Forced and slow vital capacity, tidal volume, Diffusion study and possibly a arterial blood gas. RV/TLC ratio is quite important for diagnosis.Flow/volume curves are also done along with peak and mid expiratory flow rates before and after bronchodilators.
These numbers need to correlate with the chest x ray, and clinical symptoms to make the diagnosis.
Oh yeah, the simple spiromtry they do by just blowing into a tube is good for screening and to see if bronchodilators have an effect but you need the full set of tests for a definite diagnosis. Any pulmomologist would order that first.
God bless.

The American Medical Association ( AMA ) allowed doctors to combine the very parallel respiratory ailments of bronchitis, asthma and emphysema into one diagnosis, hence COPD---because symptoms of one could indicate a prognosis of the other.

With the exception of degenerative emphysema---COPD is NOT a death knell, but it IS a condition that carries potential of further harm IF the patient does not positively change his or her lifestyle and heed focus on breathing cleaner air, along with a diet/exercise/active daily regimen---along with responsible use of prescribed medicines.

COPD asthma and/or COPD bronchitis are the most common COPD ailments. Like any other medical conditions: Early detection often merits success with the best treatments.

From my knowledge, yes, you can develop asthma at any time in your life, just like developing new allergies. Your relative is correct.

I am fairly certain chest x-rays and a cardiac stress test (think treadmill test type stuff) can determine the cause.

Do you or did you smoke? If so, yes, you may have COPD at your young age (45).

Your best bet is to consult your doctor. It's not good enough for him/her to say he THINKS. Make him tell you definitely and/or get a second/third opinion.

Good luck!

You are a little young for COPD unless you have a certain rare disorder or you have been smoking like crazy since you were little.
Asthma can be discovered at any time.
There are different tests you can do including pfts (pulmonary function testing) and testing to see if your airflows improve after a bronchodilator, etc.

Yes I've heard you can get it any time, but it would come and go as the irritants came and went. COPD would be there all the time. You have to breathe hard into a tube, bit like blowing up a balloon. They can measure how much 'puff" you have.

u will be asked to take breathing tests,provide sputum samples usually 3, have x rays and sometimes a ct scan.
people do develop asthma later inlife- my great aunt got her first inhaler aged 70yrs!!

A pulmonary function test.