COPD Types and Stages

  • COPD
    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition commonly referred to as “smoker’s lung” as tobacco smoke is the most common cause of COPD. It is also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD). The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates COPD to be at 4th place in the list of diseases causing death. It affects 9-10% of adults aged above 40.   
Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 19 November 2015

There are three types of COPD:

1. Emphysema: This is a common type of COPD in which the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, causing them to enlarge and burst. This makes it difficult for people to expel air from their lungs.

2. Chronic Bronchitis: This causes inflammation and irritation of the airways. When the air tubes are inflamed and irritated, thick mucus begins to form in them. Over time, this mucus plugs up the airways and makes breathing difficult.

3. Bronchiectasis: This is characterised by an abnormal enlargement of the airways caused by recurrent inflammation and infection. When the airways become enlarged, extra mucus forms in them and pools in the widened areas, leading to infection. 

Different stages of the condition :

There are four stages of COPD:

Stage 1: 80 per cent normal lung function

Stage 2: 50-80 per cent normal lung function

Stage 3: 30-50 per cent normal lung function

Stage 4: less than 30 per cent normal lung function

Community
Respiratory and Pulmonary
Condition
COPD

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