What Are the Stages of COPD?

A medical professional uses a spirometer to measure how much air someone can breathe in and out, as well as how quickly they exhale that air. This produces two measurements: force vital capacity (FVC) and force expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). A person needs a ratio of under 0.7 FEV1/FVC to be diagnosed with COPD.

Doctors also use these numbers to grade the measurable severity of a person’s COPD from stages 1 to 4. The GOLD system now uses a lettering system from A to D, as well, to describe the subjective severity of symptoms and the frequency of exacerbations, which cause the symptoms to suddenly worsen. The stages:

• A features less obstruction, fewer symptoms, and fewer exacerbations
• B features less obstruction, more symptoms, and fewer exacerbations
• C features worse obstruction, fewer symptoms, and more exacerbations
• D features worse obstruction, more symptoms, and more exacerbations

The earliest and least severe period of COPD is stage 1. At this point, a person may not have any symptoms or even realize that anything is different. In stage 1, the FEV1 is between 80 and 100 percent of the predicted value. If someone does have symptoms at this stage, they may experience shortness of breath or general fatigue. Many people mistake these mild issues for allergies or the common cold.

Because symptoms are mild in the earliest stages of COPD, the most effective action someone can take is to quit smoking or stop inhaling other hazardous particulates. This includes secondhand smoke, as well. Other management options include becoming more physically active, improving nutrition, and avoiding symptom triggers like dust, pollen, perfume, and pollutants in the air.

A doctor may prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator to help ease any breathing issues.

COPD enters stage 2 once the FEV1 measurement is between 50 and 79 percent of the predicted value. At this point, the condition begins to affect daily life and will dramatically interfere with a person’s activity level.

Symptoms include a chronic cough, mild or severe fatigue, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Some people also have memory issues or general confusion.

Because the condition’s severity increases in stage 2, the management methods also become a bit more elaborate. Typically, a person in stage 2 will undergo pulmonary rehabilitation under the guidance of physicians, nurses, and therapists. A rehab program might involve exercise training, breathing techniques, health education, and meetings with peer groups.

Doctors often use long-acting bronchodilators once their patients enter stage 2.

Someone with stage 3 COPD experiences significantly worse symptoms, often with more frequent exacerbations. Their cough becomes more intense, and shortness of breath is extremely common.

Some people have headaches, especially after waking up. Their lips or nail beds may turn blue from lack of oxygen. Swelling may occur in the feet, ankles, and legs. To qualify for stage 3, the FEV1 value must fall between 30 and 49 percent.

Treating and managing COPD becomes much more difficult in stage 3. A pulmonary rehab program becomes a necessity, and it is vital to focus on exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. Doctors may perform frequent checkups to measure pulmonary function.

Though physicians may use supplemental oxygen at any stage of COPD, they most commonly begin using it in stage 3. Steroid inhalers are often necessary to decrease inflammation in the lungs.

Though treatment will determine the speed of the progression, COPD will eventually progress to stage 4, which is diagnosed when the FEV1 is under 30 percent and there is severe damage to the lungs. At this point, the significant loss in lung function results in other organs being unable to perform their jobs.

The heart has to work harder to pump blood, leading to heart disease and other cardiac problems. Water retention also occurs as the heart gets weaker and the lower extremities may severely swell. Breathing becomes extremely difficult, which makes even small daily tasks a struggle. Weight loss and delirium are typical, as are many complications.

Management strategies do not change much between stage 3 and stage 4 COPD. The doctor will encourage the individual to remain active under a professional’s guidance.

Doctors may use various bronchodilators or steroid inhalers as symptoms worsen. Some patients require lung volume reduction surgery to remove diseased lung tissue, while others may need lung transplants.

Some groups use a slightly broader method of grading COPD to better recognize that the condition is extremely variable. Due to slightly adjusted FEV1 requirements, this method also includes stage 0 and stage U.

Stage 0 refers to a case where a person has normal spirometry, but complications like COPD are still possible. Stage U refers to undefined COPD, where a person does not quite qualify for a COPD diagnosis, but their FEV1 values and symptoms are consistent with the disease.