Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term (chronic) condition.
COPD is a major cause of illness and death throughout the U.S. as well as across the globe.
The disease keeps the lungs from functioning normally.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
The stages of COPD include:
Each stage can involve various symptoms and requires different diagnostic parameters.
Symptoms of Stage I COPD
Stage I is the stage in which COPD begins.
It may be a very gradual process, taking years to develop.
In this earliest stage, you may not have any symptoms at all.
The early stage of COPD may begin with an annoying cough that wont subside.
The cough can be productive (meaning it produces mucus) or it could be a dry cough.
During this stage, many people assume that they have allergies, or are simply prone to catching colds.
But, by the time a person begins experiencing symptoms, lung damage has typically already begun.
Early diagnosis and intervention can provide an opportunity for the most effective COPD treatment, leading to better outcomes.
These include a physical examination and a spirometry test.
This test measures how well the lungs are functioning.
If you live or work with a smoker, its important to avoid secondhand smoke as well.
This group was categorized as GOLD stage 0 (at risk for COPD).
The study authors wrote, Smoking cessation is the most effective intervention for preventing COPD and slowing disease progression.
TheFEV1 readingis the measurement of the lungs ability to expire air.
Most often, oxygen is prescribed for those with resting hypoxia (low oxygen levels when resting).
This, in turn, impacts other organs, such as the heart and thepulmonary artery.
The heart must work harder to pump the blood, which can result inheart disease.
Also, in this stage, shortness of breath is often present, even when a person is resting.
For example:
Exacerbation episodesare more frequent, can be more severe, and can be fatal.
Dont forget the old adage, Youre always a cigarette away from a pack per day."
Stay on your diet and continue to participate in your pulmonary rehabilitation groups/program.
You may need to make adjustments.
Dont forget to stay on top of regular vaccinations and see your healthcare provider regularly.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.Global Strategy for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of COPD.
The Pulmonary Education And Research Foundation.The four stages of COPD, explained.
2019;14:1119-1125. doi:10.2147/COPD.S205382
The American Lung Association.The basics of pulmonary rehab.
