Stages of Emphysema/COPD

[luckycharm3295]

My dad was diagnosed with COPD/Emphysema about 3 years ago. I was wondering what are the stages of it and what is the lifespan of someone with that. I am having a difficult time dealing with him not well.

[National Jewish]

Each stage of COPD is based on symptoms and measured loss of pulmonary function, especially the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1).  The FEV1 is the amount of air that can be forcefully expelled in the first second of exhalation.  It is an indicator of airway obstruction and how far the disease has progressed.  Normal is 80% or greater of the predicted value.  The predicted value for a given individual is based on age, gender, height, and race or ethnicity.

There are 4 stages of COPD:
At risk Stage 0 Normal pulmonary function
Mild Stage I Mild reduction in air flow
Moderate Stage II FEV1 50 to 80% of predicted
Severe Stage III FEV1 30 to 50% of predicted
Very Severe Stage IV FEV1 less than 30% of predicted

Although lifespan may not be altered, quality of life can be significantly impacted.  Please read our chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) information at http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/copd/index.aspx to learn more.

[luckycharm3295]

Thank you. I guess what I need to do is get my dad's most recent test results then.  Now the doctor is saying keep all exercise to a minimum. Do not exert yourself because he gets out of breath.So he does the minor chores around the house to keep busy but sits down often. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks again.

[starion]

I'd suggest you have your dad ask for pulmonary rehabilitation.  If he avoids exertion, it will cause him to have less and less stamina and be able to do less and less.  There are many folks with COPD who have had wonderful results with pulmonary rehabilitation, where they are given an individualized exercise program and taught how to help best manage their care and lead full and active lives.
If dad's doc won't refer him, you may wish to try to get him to see a pulmonary specialist who will refer him.  Exercise is VERY important for those of us with COPD--the more we do, the more we can do!  It's important to have medical supervision to be sure we exert appropriately.

Starion

[liz69]

Hi ,
Just wondering if someone can help my dad was told he had COPD a few years ago and he is apparently in the last stages , but just the other day he had a CT scan and they found 3 blisters on his left lung ..............Now im frightened !!!!!!!!!!!!!! just wondering if anyone knows what this means and possible how long he might have .........destrot   :(

[shirleyv]

A close relative of mine has astma-induced emphysemia. He has very low immunity to  infections and medication after years on cortizone daily. He has about 25% lung capacity left and is constantly picking up secondary infections,speudenomos and fungal. He is on oxygen for between 20-23 hrs a day. Have spoken to his doctors and obviously they cant say too much but I live overseas and am concerned. Your comments would be appreciated.

[Purplemoon0130]

A related discussion, Progression of emphysema was started.

[zcatspjs]

A related discussion, Anemia was started.