Stages of COPD

Stages of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterizes a progressive and enduring inflammatory lung disease manifested by unremitting cough and shortness of breath (Young et al., 2020).  There are four different stages of COPD as listed below.

Stage 1: Mild COPD

This stage is characterized by major symptoms such as continuous cough and shortness of breath, which may be associated with mucus. However, these symptoms may not be experienced at this stage (Young et al., 2020).  The treatment of mild COPD includes short-acting bronchodilator medications, which relax muscles along the airways to foster breathing. Treatment also involves smoking cessation and physical activity.

Stage 2: Moderate COPD

This stage is characterized by intensified presented symptoms from stage 1 due to progress in airflow restrictions. Patients experience shortness of breath during exercise. An increase in coughing and the production of mucus may also occur. Other possible symptoms include fatigue

, wheezing, and challenges sleeping. The treatment of moderate COPD involves smoking cessation, bronchodilator medications to foster breathing, and pulmonary rehab to maintain quality of life by working with relevant clinicians to develop a plan customized to the needs of the patient. Other treatment plans include exercise, counseling, and a healthy diet (Young et al., 2020).

Stage 3: Severe COPD

This stage is characterized by a massive decrease in lung function. The continuous weakening of the air sac walls in the lungs creates difficulty in the consumption of oxygen and carbon dioxide elimination. The treatment involves bronchodilator medications to foster breathing, and pulmonary rehab to provide customized advice on exercise and other lifestyle problems. Antibiotics and steroids may also be used frequently to control flare-ups (Halpin et al., 2021).

Stage 4: Very Severe COPD

At this stage, the function of the lung is drastically reduced. The symptoms noticed in stage 3 exacerbate and become more unrelenting. Patients experience chest tightness and shortness of breath with routine activities, and breathing becomes extremely challenging. Treatments involve similar treatments in the initial stages, though with different combinations, and doses, or take them more often. Another possible treatment is surgery in case medications fail to work for the patient (Halpin et al., 2021).