progression

[kath49]

two years ago, prognosis of "probably one year" was given.  smoking given up successfully at that time.  saw immediate improvement of symptoms.  then, 16 months later, dyspnea appeared to be at level when smoking was still in the picture.  6 months after that, dyspnea worse, cough has returned, lung capacity at 30%.  on spiriva and advair.  since prognosis of "probably one year" (that would have been feb of 07) proved false, what might prognosis look like now?

[National Jewish Health]

The rate of loss of lung function (FEV1) is increased in smokers to around 90 to 100 cc/year.  With smoking cessation, the loss returns eventually to 30 to 40 cc/year.  The prognosis is based not only on this, however.  It is based on the presence or absence of pulmonary hypertension and, if present, the degree of hypertension; on nutritional states; on number of co-morbid states; frequency of exacerbations; oxygen need and usage; and on current age, significantly worse if > age 75, among others.  In the circumstance of none of these variables, the situation of only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and progressive loss of lung function and barring unanticipated events such as a severe exacerbation, respiratory comprise due to trauma, pneumonia etc., the prognosis could vary from 2 to 5 years.