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For additional information about COPD, please refer to the following links.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) symptoms develop slowly and can gradually worsen over time. Oftentimes, those with a nagging cough or difficulty breathing accept their symptoms as part of getting older without realizing they actually have COPD. Common COPD symptoms include constant or mucus-producing coughing (often referred to as “smoker’s cough”), wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms typically precede the development of airflow limitation by many years.
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has categorized COPD patients into four categories in order to more accurately diagnose and treat the illness. In addition to evaluating symptoms, doctors perform a simple breathing test called spirometry to aid in diagnosis.
Stage I: Mild COPD
Symptoms may or may not include smoker’s cough with sputum production. Hard work or fast walking may produce a little shortness of breath, but there are rarely clinical signs of COPD. These individuals may not be aware that their lung function is abnormal.
Stage II: Moderate COPD
Symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion, sputum-producing cough and some clinical signs of COPD, including worsening airflow limitation. At this stage, individuals typically seek medical attention for their symptoms.
Stage III: Severe COPD
Symptoms include greater shortness of breath on mild exertion, reduced exercise capacity and repeated exacerbations that have a considerable impact on the individual’s quality of life. Patients may take several weeks to recover from a cold or chest infection.
Stage IV: Very Severe COPD
Symptoms include shortness of breath on mild exertion, right heart failure and cyanosis. With severe airflow limitation, the individual’s quality of life is greatly impaired and significant respiratory events may be life-threatening. These individuals can no longer go to work or do chores around the home.
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