COPD - life expectancy

COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a complex of pathologies (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), leading to a restriction of airflow and lung dysfunction. The disease is provoked by an abnormal inflammatory reaction that occurs in the tissues of the lungs under the influence of pathogenic particles or gases. Often this disease is observed in smokers. In addition, the disease can be triggered by air pollution, work in harmful conditions and genetic predisposition, although the latter is not very common.


Life Expectations for COPD

Complete recovery of COPD is impossible, the disease is constantly, although slowly enough progresses. Therefore, the favorable prognosis for COPD and its impact on the patient's life directly depends on the stage of the disease.

The earlier the disease is identified, the higher the chances of achieving a favorable course of the disease and persistent remission. In advanced stages, the disease leads to loss of ability to work, disability and death due to the development of respiratory failure .

Life expectancy at different stages of COPD

  1. At the first stage, the disease does not cause a significant deterioration in the condition. Dry cough is seen sporadically, dyspnea appears only with physical exertion, other symptoms are absent. Therefore, at this stage, the disease is diagnosed in less than 25% of cases. The detection of the disease in a mild form and its timely treatment allows the patient to maintain a normal life expectancy.
  2. In the second (moderate severity) stage, COPD is characterized by less favorable predictions, leading to certain limitations. You may need constant medication. At this stage, the function of the lungs is significantly reduced, dyspnea may be observed with minor loads, the patient is disturbed by a persistent cough that increases markedly in the mornings.
  3. The third (severe) COPD is characterized by severe difficulty breathing, constant shortness of breath, cyanosis, the development of complications affecting the heart begins. The life expectancy of patients with this stage of the disease does not exceed 8 years on average. In case of aggravation or occurrence of concomitant diseases, the probability of a lethal outcome reaches 30%.
  4. With COPD stage 4, life expectancy is extremely unfavorable. The patient needs constant medication, maintenance therapy, ventilation is often necessary. Approximately 50% of patients with COPD of the last stage have a life expectancy of less than 1 year.