Published Paper Details:

COPD is a long-term respiratory disease characterized by airway limitations and reduced air- volume change, mainly due to emphysema and acute exacerbation. These exacerbations increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs, and causes continuous deterioration of the lung functions. COPD depends on certain factors such as; age, environmental factors, genetics and presence of other diseases including asthma. Thus, the timely diagnose of COPD is an essential step to successful management and treatment. This review's aim is to describe the existing approaches, including traditional spirometry, and novel techniques including forced oscillometry, phase contrast imaging, and electrical impedance tomography. Spirometry is still the reference technique in the evaluation and staging of COPD, however, it has weak points especially when it comes to the identification and follow - up of the milder cases. Some of the new imaging methods include X-ray phase contrast imaging and electrical impedance tomography which, may allow lung function assessment in real time or more detailed regional analysis.It is important to present new developments in the diagnostics following COPD with stressing the role of new technologies for overcoming existing difficulties. Such advancements seeks to strengthening early detection, specific treatment approaches, and by extension, patients' quality of life by addressing issues with standard diagnostic practices.