C2. Diagnosis C2.1 History Consider COPD in all smokers and ex-smokers over the age of 35 years (Fletcher 1977) [evidence level II]. The main symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, cough and sputum production. Patients often attribute breath­lessness to ageing or lack of fitness. A persistent cough, typically worse in the mornings with mucoid sputum, is … Continue reading C2. Diagnosis