The author builds upon present definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and states that diagnosis of COPD is based on history of risk factors and on presence of bronchial obstruction which is not entirely reversible. The main examination method for diagnosing and confirmation of COPD is spirometry. Differential diagnostics is necessary for identifying other diseases with similar symptoms: bronchial asthma, congestive heart failure, lung carcinoma, bronchiectasia, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis obliterans, interstitial pulmonary processes. The author presents a list of symptoms and findings which help to distinguish these diseases from COPD.

        Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - Differential diagnostics