Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Association (Singapore)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a common illness that afflicts many people worldwide. It is estimated that 3 million people globally die each year due to COPD. In Singapore it is estimated that more than 340,000 people suffer from COPD, and approximately 70% of COPD are undiagnosed. [www.copdas.com]. Experts currently recommend that a diagnosis of COPD be considered in any patient who has dyspnea (breathlessness), chronic cough or sputum production, a history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and/or a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease. [1] While smoking and air pollution were traditionally considered to be the main risk factors of COPD in the past, more recently, other factors including genetic and developmental factors (e.g. low birth weight, malnutrition, recurrent respiratory infections, especially in childhood) have also been recognized as contributors to developing COPD.

Spirometry

Spirometry is a basic lung function test that can be useful in the following ways:
Confirm the diagnosis of COPD when airway obstruction is already present, and spirometry can also determine the stage/severity of COPD in these cases.
Detect “early” or “at risk” cases of COPD before symptoms arise and before significant lung function is irreversibly lost. [2]
  • Detect poor lung health early, monitor respiratory disease progression, and promote lung health. In addition to developing respiratory conditions like COPD, below average lung function trajectories are associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health comorbidities, as well as with premature death.[3]

Clinical Indicators of Spirometry

You should undergo a spirometry test if you have one or more of the clinical indicators shown in Table 1., or, if you just want to know your lung function as a reflection of your lung and general health.
Table 1. Clinical Indicators for considering a diagnosis of COPD and performing a spirometry (Adapted from reference 1).
Dyspnea
That is progressive over time, worse with exercise, persistent
Chronic Cough
May be intermittent and may be unproductive
History of risk factors
Tobacco smoke; smoke from home cooking & heating fuels; occupational dust, fumes, chemicals; host factors (genetic factors, developmental abnormalities, low birth weight, prematurity, childhood respiratory infections etc.)
Recurrent wheeze
Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections
With a properly performed spirometry test result, you can track your lung function over time using this free online resource: LUNGTRACKER | in order to monitor your lung health status across the course of your life.
Know Your Lung Function has been instrumental in equipping me with the knowledge and resources to take charge of my respiratory well-being.
Shevo Chua, Advocate

Please discuss with your healthcare provider about undergoing a spirometry test. In Singapore, you may consider performing spirometry at home

(visit: Smartfuture.com) if you are confident that you can perform the test properly with remote or minimal supervision.

References
1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. GOLD 2023 Report. Available at https://goldcopd.org/2023-gold-report-2/. Accessed on 1 Nov 20232. Choi JY, et al.. J Clin Med. 2020 Oct 26;9(11):3426.3. Melén E, et al. Lancet 2024;403(10435):1494-1503.
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