What to Expect

Caring for a Patient With COPD

The person you are caring for is one of over 12 million adults in the United States who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1 As a caregiver, the best thing you can do is create a strong partnership between you, the patient, and the healthcare professional.

 

COPD: Stages of Disease Progression2

Stage (Severity)

Symptoms

Stage I (Mild)

May be without symptoms or unaware of underlying lung problems.

  • Chronic cough
  • Excess mucus production

Stage II (Moderate)
  • Increased difficulty breathing
  • Chronic cough and mucus production

Stage III (Severe)
  • Exacerbations (sudden, severe symptoms) become more common
  • Fatigue, decreased capacity for exercise
  • Increased difficulty breathing
  • Chronic cough and mucus production with wheezing and chest tightness

Stage IV (Very Severe)

Oxygen therapy or surgery may be necessary at this stage.2

  • Severe breathlessness
  • Exacerbations may become life-threatening
  • Weight loss, anorexia
  • Depression
  • Swollen ankles indicating heart problems

 


According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), long-acting bronchodilators (such as BROVANA) are recommended for people with the moderate to very severe stages of COPD.2

References:
1. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Data Fact Sheet. Bethesda, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2003. NIH publication 03-5229.
2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. November 2006. Available at: www.goldcopd.org. Accessed May 20, 2008.

Two gentlement enjoying a barbecue