Comparing Advanced Technologies to Standard Testing for the Diagnosis of Airway Disease in Hospital and Community Settings

Airway disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is usually diagnosed through breathing tests like spirometry. However, it requires people to blow forcefully into a machine several times which can be uncomfortable and difficult for some patients. This study is looking at whether newer technologies and other breathing tests can help diagnose COPD as accurately as standard testing. We will compare these tests in both hospital and community settings. We are interested in understanding how practical and cost-effective these tests are, including how easy they are to use and how comfortable they are for patients to perform.

Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years of age * New referral to community or secondary healthcare services * Clinical suspicion of airway disease/COPD * Able to provide fully informed written consent * Able to fully understand and cooperate with the study protocol * Clinically stable with no contraindications to lung function testing (outlined below) Exclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of COPD * Not willing and/or able to provide fully informed written consent to participate * Has a relative contraindication to lung function testing \[18\]: * Recent thoracic, abdominal or eye (e.g. cataract) surgery \< 6 weeks * Unstable cardiovascular status, including recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolus \< 6 weeks * Pneumothorax \< 6 weeks * Haemoptysis of unknown origin \< 6 weeks * Thoracic, abdominal or cerebral aneurysm * Chest infection \< 6 weeks * An acute illness or symptom that might interfere with test performance (e.g. nausea, vomiting). * The presence of any other clinical condition that would prevent the individual from safely performing lung function tests