COPD Stages

stages of copd COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a preventable condition which limits lung capacity and can cause debilitating breathing capacity.

In the United States, it is the 4th leading cause of death and impacts an estimated 16 million adults.

–> 11.7 million | Number of physician & hospital visits per year with COPD as the primary diagnosis

–> 13% | Percent of residents with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

–> 12.1 million Adults | Diagnosed per year

Stages of COPD – Explained

There are 4 principal categories of COPD. Each stage is defined by the severity of airway restriction as measured by breathing tests. Tests are conducted using a breathing tool called a spirometer and measuring FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second).

The spirometer and forced volume vital capacity tests have patients rapidly force exhale into a tube sensor after inhaling with the deepest breath they can take.

COPD Stage 1 – “Mild COPD”

In the first and most mild form of COPD, the most common symptoms include:

Persistent or chronic cough
Mild to heavy mucus

FEV1 scores during Stage 1 are >= 80% of normal levels with a FEV1/FVC of less than 70%. Many patients diagnosed with Stage 1 COPD are unaware, which often leads to a lack of diagnosis and untreated may progress to the next stage.

COPD Stage 2 – “Moderate COPD”

The most common stage for formal treatment to begin, since it’s at Stage 2 severity that symptoms become more susceptible and patients often seek treatment. Symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Regular and worsening cough
Heavy to severe mucus may be present

FEV1 scores for Stage 2 = 50 to 79% of normal levels and FEV1/FVC are < 70%.

COPD Stage 3 – “Severe COPD”

Characterized by significant reductions in lung capacity and breathing difficulties, Stage 3 patients of COPD typically reflect symptoms such as:

Significant shortness of breath
Noticeable decrease in activity levels
Rapid escalation in fatigue and “tiredness”

FEV1 scores during Stage 3 are 30 to 49% of normal levels and FEV1/FVC is < 70%.

COPD Stage 4 – “Very Severe COPD” or “End Stage COPD”

Patients diagnosed with the 4th stage of COPD have the most severely reduced airway capacity and suffer from significant reductions in quality of life. Symptoms include:

Severe shortness of breath
Chronic coughing
Severe breathing difficulties, including but not limited to exertion periods
Extreme fatigue
Respiratory failure & heart complications

FEV1 scores for Very severe Stage 4 COPD are less than 30% of normal capacity and FEV1/FVC of < 70%. Patients may suffer respiratory failure and due to severe reductions in lung capacity / breathing may lead to severe complications, including death.

Mortality rates for Stage 4 COPD patients (4-year survival rates) are less than 20%, though not all End Stage patients are bed -bound or on oxygen.

Summary of COPD Stages

Stages of COPD – Guidelines for Categorizing
Stage 1 “Mild”	FEV1/FVC < 0.7FEV1 >= 80%	Mild to worsening symptomsBreathing difficulty begins
Stage 2 “Moderate”	FEV1/FVC < 0.7FEV1 50 – 79%	Shortness of BreathMild to Moderate Cough
Stage 3 “Severe”	FEV1/FVC < 0.7FEV1 30 – 49%	Moderate to Severe CoughFatigue, Significant Activity Reduction
Stage 4 “Very Severe”	FEV1/FVC < 0.7FEV1 < 30%	Severe to debilitating Shortness of BreathPossible chronic respiratory failure