ToolsCalculators
COPD Assessment Test (CAT)
Quantifies symptom burden and health status impact in COPD.
COPD Assessment Test (CAT)
Cough
Phlegm (mucus)
Chest tightness
Breathlessness walking uphill/stairs
Limitation of activities at home
Confidence leaving home
Sleep quality
Energy
Result0 points
Low impact of COPD on health status.
- Impact level
- Low impact
When to use
- Measuring symptom burden and monitoring change over time in COPD.
Formula
Sum of eight items (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, breathlessness, activity limitation, confidence, sleep, energy), each 0–5. Range 0–40; < 10 low, 10–20 medium, 21–30 high, > 30 very high impact.
Pearls and pitfalls
- A change of ≥ 2 points is considered clinically meaningful.
- A CAT score ≥ 10 is one threshold used to define more symptomatic COPD in GOLD grouping.