About COPD and Its Stages
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious, yet common, lung disease. COPD actually includes one or both of these respiratory ailments:
- Chronic bronchitis—resulting from constantly inflamed and irritated airways in your lungs
- Emphysema—resulting from damage to small air sacs and airways in your lungs
When you have COPD, your lungs don’t function properly. The airways—the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs—are partially blocked. This makes it difficult to get air in and out.
COPD develops slowly and can worsen over time—making it harder to breathe and get the oxygen you need.
COPD Stages:
Stage 1:
Mild COPD
Mildly reduced airflow; sometimes, a chronic cough and sputum production
Stage 2:
Moderate COPD
Worsening airflow; shortness of breath typically brought on by exertion
Stage 3:
Severe COPD
Further worsening of airflow; greater shortness of breath, reduced quality of life
Stage 4:
Very Severe COPD
Severe reduction in airflow; chronic respiratory failure; greatly reduced quality of life
In the latter stages of COPD, COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath can help make it difficult to do even the most simple things.
There is no cure for COPD, but a maintenance medicine, like SYMBICORT, can help make a significant difference in your breathing.* That means you can do more of what you want to do.
When used as prescribed, SYMBICORT helps significantly improve lung function, starting within 5 minutes.* Remember, SYMBICORT will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.
*Individual results may vary.
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Next: COPD Symptoms