Pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both diseases with many similar characteristics that can easily be confused. To make an accurate diagnosis and get the right treatment, patients should have a clear understanding of the basic information and how to distinguish between the two diseases.

An arterial blood gas test is a test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, helping to diagnose and assess the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).