If you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or care for someone who does, you may be wondering about COPD severity, life expectancy (the estimated amount of time someone will live with their diagnosis), and changes you can make for the best possible health outcomes with your COPD.

COPD is a chronic (long-lasting) lung disease that can worsen over time. While there is no cure for COPD, treatments are available that can slow the progression of symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Hands holding symbolic Lungs

To assess the severity of COPD, experts use the Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) system. This system uses a test called forced expiratory volume (FEV1). The FEV1 test measures how much air someone can forcefully breathe out in one second, using a tool called a spirometer.

According to the GOLD system, there are four stages of COPD:

  1. Mild COPD = GOLD 1 (FEV1 is ≥ 80%)
  2. Moderate COPD = GOLD 2 (FEV1 is between 50-79%)
  3. Severe COPD = GOLD 3 (FEV1 is between 30-49%)
  4. Very severe COPD = GOLD 4 (FEV1 is < 30%)

The GOLD system also considers other factors, such as specific breathing problems and the number of flare-ups a person typically experiences. A higher score on the GOLD scale generally indicates worse COPD, which can be linked to a lower life expectancy.

Rather than focusing solely on your disease’s progression, it can help to learn more about how to best manage your COPD. This is crucial no matter the stage of your condition.

Another scale often used alongside the GOLD system is the BODE scale, which stands for Body Mass Index (BMI), Obstruction (airflow blockage), Dyspnea (breathlessness), and Exercise capacity. This scale helps assess how COPD affects a person’s life by scoring the following factors:

  • BMI
    • Uses height and weight to estimate body fat
    • Having COPD can cause problems with weight management
  • Airflow obstruction
    • Uses the results from FEV1 and other lung functions tests to find how much someone’s airflow is blocked
    • COPD overtime can thicken airway walls, obstructing breathing, and making it more difficult
  • Dyspnea
    • Measures how much difficulty someone has with breathing
  • Exercise capacity
    • Measured by how far someone can walk in six minutes
    • This shows much physical activity a person can manage

After considering all factors, a BODE score between 0 and 10 is determined, with 10 indicating more severe symptoms, increased risk of hospitalization, and poorer health outcomes.

Although assessment tools like GOLD and BODE are helpful, it’s important to remember they only provide estimates. They do not determine someone’s actual lifespan or quality of life. Studies have shown that early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment can slow the progression of COPD symptoms. That is why it is very important to listen to your body and know when to seek medical attention.

Are other health issues related to COPD?

COPD can lead to other health problems. We call these comorbidities. It is important to be aware of symptoms and seek medical help when needed.

For people with mild COPD, cardiovascular diseases—affecting the heart and blood vessels—are the most common serious issues. COPD can also be linked to conditions like:

  • Heart failure
  • Respiratory failure
  • Lung infection
  • Pulmonary embolism (lung blood clots)
  • Heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
  • Lung cancer

The life expectancy of people with COPD varies due to many factors and is not an exact science. Factors such as your symptoms, age, health, smoking habits, and the progression of your disease. It is best to talk with your doctor about how you can self-manage your COPD and stay healthy and exacerbation (flare-up) free.

Palliative care is patient- and family-centered care that aims to improve your life and relieve pain and suffering. Palliative care is not only intended for end of life, but can be used at any part of your journey with a chronic illness. Palliative care can help you better manage your symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce visits to the hospital, and support family members. Ask your doctor about palliative care early in your COPD journey.

Hospice – or end-of-life care – is one type of palliative care, and can be very helpful to you and your loved ones in living your remaining days with support and dignity.

  • Quitting smoking   
    • Studies have shown that quitting smoking even after a COPD diagnosis slowed down the worsening of the disease.
    • Although quitting smoking helps at any COPD stage, the sooner someone quits, the better.
  • Regular medical visits
    • Routine check-ups can help monitor symptoms, catch possible issues early, and manage treatment.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Losing excess weight, eating healthy, and exercising safely, when possible, can all improve health outcomes.
  • Avoid breathing in lung irritants
    • This may include pollution, pollen, dust, smoke, cleaning supplies, and other fragrances.
  • Use air purifiers at home
    • One study found that people with COPD experienced improved symptoms using indoor air purifiers
  • Staying up to date on vaccinations
  • COPD breathing exercises
  • Stay hydrated
    • Staying hydrated can thin mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up and clear airways.

At GAAPP, we want to empower patients because everyone deserves to live freely without their symptoms interfering with their lives. Find out more about our Patient Charter here.

old hands touching

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