COPD Awareness Month: Understanding the 4 Stages of COPD

November is COPD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide. As a leading provider of medical equipment solutions, Trace Medical is committed to helping healthcare professionals and patients understand COPD and its various stages.

What is COPD?

COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe and can cause long-term disability and even death. It is often caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and occupational exposures. COPD includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma.

The 4 Stages of COPD

COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has established a staging system to classify COPD based on the severity of symptoms and lung function. The 4 stages of COPD are:

Stage 1: Mild COPD

  • Symptoms: Mild shortness of breath, occasional coughing and wheezing

  • Lung function: FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) ≥ 80% predicted

  • Medical equipment required: Peak flow meters, inhalers, and spirometers to monitor lung function

At this stage, patients may not experience significant symptoms, but it's essential to diagnose and treat COPD early to slow disease progression.

Stage 2: Moderate COPD

  • Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing that interferes with daily activities

  • Lung function: FEV1 50-79% predicted

  • Medical equipment required: In addition to Stage 1 equipment, patients may require oxygen therapy, nebulizers, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs

At this stage, patients may experience more frequent and severe symptoms, requiring more frequent medical visits and increased medication use.

Stage 3: Severe COPD

  • Symptoms: Significant shortness of breath, frequent coughing and wheezing, and limited ability to perform daily activities

  • Lung function: FEV1 30-49% predicted

  • Medical equipment required: In addition to Stage 2 equipment, patients may require non-invasive ventilation, continuous oxygen therapy, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers

At this stage, patients may experience significant disability and require frequent hospitalizations.

Stage 4: Very Severe COPD

  • Symptoms: Extreme shortness of breath, frequent respiratory failure, and significant disability

  • Lung function: FEV1 < 30% predicted

  • Medical equipment required: In addition to Stage 3 equipment, patients may require invasive ventilation, oxygen concentrators, and advanced respiratory care

At this stage, patients may require continuous oxygen therapy, frequent hospitalizations, and palliative care.

COPD is a serious and debilitating disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the 4 stages of COPD can help healthcare professionals and patients develop effective management plans to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. At Trace Medical, we are committed to providing the highest quality respiratory equipment to healthcare facilities, including ventilators, oxygen concentrators, Afflovest, CoughAssist, and more.

Visit our website for more information about how we can support your organization through ventilator rentals, stockpile management, and asset tracking.

Elliot Campbell