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

Stories

  • , ,
    Dental Health and its influence on Systemic Diseases
    Maintaining good oral health is more than just about keeping cavities at bay. Your dental health has far-reaching consequences on your body, with oral bacteria being linked to many life-threatening conditions, like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, renal health and even brain abcess. Oral hygience and overall good health  Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defences and good oral health can keep these…
  • Study shows trees reduce respiratory problems
    Trees are saving more than 850 human lives a year and preventing 670,000 incidences of acute respiratory symptoms. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140725163557.htm A previous 2008 study showed that children who live in tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma, suggests new research.  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430201651.htm
  • Yoga Urdhwahastottansana - Hypertension, Respiratory
    Urdhwahastottansana opens up the chest, improves blood circulation around the thoracic area and the heart and is beneficial for respiratory disorders, hypertension and heart problems Meaning Urdhwa means upward, hasta is hands, uttana is stretching and asana is posture. Benefits of Urdhwahastottansana 1. This asana stretches both sides of the body, so it massages, loosens and exercises the sides of the ribcage and the waist 2. Opens up the chest 3. Improves blood circulation around the…
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    is a condition where the patient is unable to breathe out fully. There is limited airflow, which is the result of breakdown of lung tissue. This condition is 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. …