By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    bowl of vegetable salad
    Raw Foods: benefits and harms
    November 9, 2021
    pros and cons of the keto diet
    Read This Before You Follow the Keto Diet
    May 18, 2022
    spinal cord injuries
    4 Potential Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries (and How to Seek Compensation)
    May 25, 2022
    Latest News
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    July 31, 2025
    Why Custom Telemedicine Apps Outperform Off‑the‑Shelf Solutions
    July 20, 2025
    How Probate Planning Shapes the Future of Your Estate and Family Care
    July 17, 2025
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Effective Healthcare Requires a Social Approach
    June 15, 2015
    CCBHCs
    2016 Excellence in Behavioral Health Program Design
    February 23, 2016
    conducting Clinical Trial
    5 Tips for Conducting a Clinical Trial
    April 21, 2024
    Latest News
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
    How Health Choices and Legal Actions Intersect After an Injury
    July 17, 2025
    How communities and healthcare providers can address slip and fall injuries with legal awareness
    July 17, 2025
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: A Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding the Stages of COPD
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > Home Health > A Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding the Stages of COPD
Home HealthSpecialtiesWellness

A Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding the Stages of COPD

eCaring
eCaring
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

COPD guideChronic lower respiratory disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma, that cause breathing difficulties and airflow problems.

COPD guideChronic lower respiratory disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma, that cause breathing difficulties and airflow problems.

Today over fifteen million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD and in 2011 the disease was the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Unfortunately the problem is extensive and underestimated – it is thought that another 12 million adults are affected by COPD but may not be aware they have it. 

More Read

exercise benefits
How to Fit More Exercise Into Your Life … Even When You’re Busy
Your Helpful Guide To Recovering After Cataract Surgery
How Some People in California Enjoy Exceptional Dental Care
Brain Fat: The Other Global Epidemic
Travel & Health: How to do it Safely

Since the true prevalence of COPD is grossly underestimated, it’s important to understand the symptoms that accompany the disease in order to be able to intervene early.

What are the stages of COPD?

The stages of COPD are characterized by a measure of lung function, measured by a breathing test called spirometry.  The test shows how much air your lungs can hold and fast you can release air from your lungs. Results are reported as a percentage, with 100% being normal and decreasing amounts representing greater dysfunction.

The stages of COPD include:

Stage I: Mild COPD

In stage 1, lung function may already be abnormal however the person is unaware of it. Breathing tests will show some airflow restriction. Symptoms include chronic cough and mucus. At this stage, most people do not know to seek medical treatment.

Stage II: Moderate COPD

Moderate COPD, or Stage II, sees the worsening of airflow limitation. Shortness of breath upon exertion like climbing stairs appears as a symptom in addition to cough and sputum production. Immune functioning may also be suppressed, so the person may have more difficultly recovering from sicknesses like the flu and common cold. Most people seek medical attention starting at this stage.

Stage III: Severe COPD

A person becomes short of breath after very little activity during Stage III of COPD, also known as Severe COPD, and will notice they are quickly fatigued. Coughing becomes more frequent and the person may cough up mucus. Airflow is severely limited, and at times symptoms will worsen to the point of requiring hospitalization.

Stage IV: Very severe COPD

During the final stage of COPD, quality of life is greatly impaired and symptoms are life threatening. Lung function is less than 30% and the person may require oxygen therapy on a daily basis. This results in complications such as weight loss, cyanosis (blue skin coloring), edema (fluid buildup in legs and feet), chronic respiratory failure, and heart problems.

What suggestions can you offer for helping caregivers spot signs of COPD early on?

TAGGED:caregivingCOPD
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
Health
July 31, 2025
holistic dental
Holistic Dentist Services Are Natural and Safe
Dental health Specialties
July 28, 2025
botox certification
Help Improve People’s Skin Health Via Botox Certification
Skin Specialties
July 22, 2025
Telemedicine Apps
Why Custom Telemedicine Apps Outperform Off‑the‑Shelf Solutions
Health
July 20, 2025

You Might also Like

cbd edibles
Wellness

6 Huge Reasons to Consider Consuming CBD Edibles

June 29, 2021
obesity
Medical DevicesWellness

Freezing Fat Away: Coolsculpting Is Effective, but Buyers Beware

November 14, 2017
pregnancy and health
Wellness

5 Medical Risks That Pregnant Women Need to Be Aware Of

July 17, 2013

Cigna’s Healthcare Gaming Mission: “Cancer-Fighting” Game App for Kids

August 30, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?