Understanding the stages of COPD
COPD treatment options for each stage
Living with COPD can be a journey, with opportunities to manage and challenges to overcome at every stage. Our solutions span the breadth of your COPD journey and are designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, helping you live life as close to your terms as possible.
What is COPD?
COPD athlete Russell Winwood and his physician Dr. Wayne Kelly discuss the condition, causes and diagnosis
More information on COPD
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Simply Go Mini
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Have questions or want to speak to a representative?
Call us at 1800-258-7678
Download a SimplyGo Mini brochure
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes difficulties with breathing and increased breathlessness. With chronic bronchitis, the tubes (bronchi) that take air in and out of the lungs become inflamed, causing excessive mucus production and coughing. The presence of inflammation and mucus causes the bronchi to narrow. This not only limits the normal amount of air from reaching the lungs but also prevents them from fully deflating, leaving lots of residual air in the lungs1. With emphysema, the presence of inflammation in the alveoli (air sacs) reduces their flexibility. In some cases, they collapse, making it difficult for air to enter and leave the lungs. As a result, they contain more air than normal, a state known as hyperinflation. The combination of hyperinflation and the extra effort needed to breathe results in the sensation of breathlessness1.
Stages of COPD
Mild to moderate COPD symptoms
Many people in the earliest stages of COPD don’t realize they may have a more serious condition. While they may find their breathing limited, many people don’t always seek medical attention until it worsens. Moderate COPD can result in more coughing and production of mucus, at which point your doctor may prescribe medication or pulmonary rehabilitation3.
InnoSpire Go is a small, portable, discreet mesh nebulizer for liquid medications that can be used anywhere.
Severe to very severe COPD
In later stages of COPD, breathing becomes more difficult, and with more fatigue can make your normal daily activities more challenging. Exercise may become increasingly difficult. If your breathing issues and flare-ups are impacting your health and quality of life significantly, your doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy to ensure your body is getting enough oxygen3.
SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can help you get the oxygen therapy you need inside or outside the house, including when you travel.
Symptoms and stages
Your doctor may ask you about the following topics to evaluate your condition:
Tips and inspiration:
Ideas and insights about living with COPD, empowering you to live life to the fullest while managing your condition.
Frequently asked questions
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References
1 medicinenet.com. Chronic Bronchitis http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_bronchitis/page3.html Accessed on 5 August 2015. 2 Mayo Clinic. Emphysema http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/basics/definition/con-20014218 Accessed on 5 August 2015. 3 Lung Institute https://lunginstitute.com/blog/stages-of-copd-mild-through-end-stage/ Accessed on 14 March 2018
