A new study has reviewed the accuracy of diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care in Australia.

The report published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that spirometry testing could improve diagnosis.

The study revealed that COPD can go misdiagnosed or missed, and GPs face barriers in having access to the necessary equipment to administer a spirometry test to patients.

The authors of the study points to a need for improving access to a spirometer in general practices, increasing training in performing spirometry and reading the results, and providing resources and incentives for GPs to adopt spirometry testing in their practice.

They also stated that evidence-based guidelines are needed for the optimal diagnosis and management of COPD. Identifying COPD early can help to facilitate earlier initiation of treatment.

GPs with patients who are smokers are encouraged to review respiratory symptoms and suggest changes in smoking behaviour, including smoking cessation.

COPD can be prevented and more easily treated by smoking cessation – up to 50 per cent of smokers develop clinically significant COPD.