At this point you will see more fatigue

Dear

COPD coach My doctor told me I have a final stage emphysema. Does that mean the same as stage-4 cancer? Sincerely,

Dear Concerned,

COPD, as well as many other diseases classified by degree of severity. There are four stages of COPD. Each stage is measured by what is called your

(FEV1), measures how much air you blew out was exhaled during the first second. FEV1 decline may mean there is blockage to the flow of air from the lungs. Obstructive lung diseases such as bronchitis emphysema, asthma or chronic, may cause decreases. This value is often the most important value to be over time in patients with COPD. B, often called soft or or are threatened, usually means that you have 80 or more percent of the projected volume of the lungs. At this point, most people do not even realize that they can be a problem, and often will include a way out of breath just be in the form or the normal aging process. Needless to say, it is rare for a person in the first stage will be diagnosed if they happen to undergo testing or screening spirometry. B, often called the moderate stage, your FEV1 falls from 50 to 79 percent. Your limit the airflow becomes more difficult, and you can start to cough or sputum production. P At this point, most people seek treatment. B, which are often classified as severe, your FEV1 falls from 30 to 49 percent. At this point you will see more fatigue and reduced activity tolerance. In the fourth stage, often referred to as very severe or terminal stage of your FEV1 below 29 percent. Here is some misunderstanding. Many people first heard this term, suppose that death is inevitable. While with very severe COPD is a serious of possible diversity, many people on this stage who eat right, exercise, take drugs and generally take very good care of himself, still enjoy an active, quality of life. Thrusting emphysema should not be construed as having four stages of lung cancer. With that said, there are many people in four stages, which are very sick. What determines which group you're in has a lot to do with such things as the history of smoking and level

(dyspnea). It also depends on how well you take care of themselves. Studies show that patients with COPD that smokers have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. But there is more evidence that even non-smokers with COPD have a greater risk of developing lung cancer. PThe relationship between the two may be that smoking is a recognized cause of COPD, and the cause lasix water pill of lung cancer. But recent data indicate that COPD itself is an independent risk factor for lung cancer, apart from smoking. Final word: Stages medical terms, which are classified, where you are in varying stages of disease. Stage does not necessarily indicate in your life, and factors that affect the fact, how long you can live a lot to fill a book. I think with the label fourth stage as a call to take better care of their health, and closely follows the advice of my medical staff. Best Regards, >> << Ask the expert aims to provide information for people with COPD to take their doctor, and not in any way claim to medical advice. If you would like to ask questions by e-mail Coaches Corner we copdfoundation coachescorner @. Org. We would like to hear your questions and comments. You can contact your e-mail in any of the following: COPD, trainer, teacher trainer, doctor of COPD and COPD RT. .