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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

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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.

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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.

OptiChamber Diamond valved holding chamber is discreet, portable and helps deliver inhaler medication to your lungs where it is needed.

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.

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Symptoms and stages

Your doctor may ask you about the following topics to evaluate your condition:

Changes in your environment and air quality
Diet, exercise and general activity level
How many, how long and how severe are your flare-ups
Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke
Whether or not you are following an action plan

Tips and inspiration:

Ideas and insights about living with COPD, empowering you to live life to the fullest while managing your condition.

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Frequently asked questions

What is COPD?: COPD is a term that covers a number of progressive lung conditions that make breathing difficult, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema¹. One of the main causes is prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, especially if the smoke is inhaled. However, breathing in second hand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes and dust from the environment or workplace can also cause COPD².

1. Web MD. What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
www.webmd.com/lung/copd/tc/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-overview
Accessed on 4 August 2015

2. Web MD. 10 FAQs About Living With COPDWhat is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
www.webmd.com/lung/copd/10-faqs-about-living-with-copd#2
Accessed on 5 August 2015
What are the symptoms of COPD?: A chronic cough, one that lasts for several weeks without the presence of other illness such as cold or flu, is the first sign of COPD. The cough is usually worse early in the morning, and may be aggravated by exercise or smoke. Other typical symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest and increased mucus (or phlegm) production ^1,2.

1. Healthline. Six signs of COPD.
www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/copd-symptoms#9
Accessed on 24 June 2015.

2. European Lung Foundation. Lung Factsheet: Living well with COPD.

www.european-lung-foundation.org
Accessed on 19 June 2015.
What causes COPD?: One of the main causes of COPD is prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, especially if the smoke is inhaled. But breathing in secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes or dust from the workplace also can cause the condition¹.

These inhaled particles can cause the mucus glands that line the bronchi to produce more mucus than normal. In addition, the inflammation that they trigger causes the walls of the bronchi to thicken and swell. Environmental factors and genetics may also play a part in the development of COPD ^1,2.

1. Web MD. 10 FAQs About Living With COPDWhat is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
www.webmd.com/lung/copd/10-faqs-about-living-with-copd#2
Accessed on 5 August 2015

2. medicinenet.com. Chronic Bronchitis
www.medicinenet.com/chronic_bronchitis/page3.htm

Accessed on 5 August 2015.
How is COPD treated?: Although there is no cure for COPD, there are many effective treatments available to help you manage your symptoms and slow the progression of COPD, so that you can live an active life¹.

1. Healthline. COPD and You: Managing Your Symptoms.
www.healthline.com/health/copd/and-you-symptom-management#1

Accessed on 10 July 2015.

How will my illness progress?

COPD has four stages, each one with different symptoms of increasing severity. However, by monitoring your symptoms and effectively managing them, it is possible to slow the progression of the disease and to enjoy a more active life^1,2.

1. Healthline. COPD and You: Managing Your Symptoms.
www.healthline.com/health/copd/and-you-symptom-management#1

Accessed on 10 July 2015.

2. Healthline. COPD: Symptoms and Stages.
www.healthline.com/health/copd/stages#Overview1

Access on 6 June 2015.

What is pulmonary rehab?

Combining a program of exercise, education and support, pulmonary rehab can help you live more comfortably with COPD by increasing your capacity for exercise and improving your mobility. You’ll learn about effective breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, the use of medication and oxygen, good nutrition and travel tips, as well as how to avoid flare-ups and stay healthy. Pulmonary rehab also provides an opportunity meet others with COPD to exchange experiences, provide mutual encouragement and increase determination to improve fitness levels and fight the disease¹.

1. American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
www.copdfoundation.org/Portals/0/Files/pdfs/AACVPR-FactSheet.pdf
Accessed on 6 June 2015.

Is COPD hereditary?

Genetics can play a part in the development of COPD, even if you have never smoked or been exposed to pollutants for an extended period of time. In particular, emphysema can be triggered by a deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), which is a protein that protects the lungs from the harmful effects of white blood cells in the lungs. However, not everyone with COPD who has never smoked has a deficiency on AAT, so it is believed that there must be other genetic triggers for COPD¹.

1. COPD Foundation:
www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-is-COPD.aspx#sthash.PjPozNK3.dpuf

Accessed on 23 June 2015.

Are there actions I can take to manage my COPD?

There are a number of things you can do that will greatly help you to manage your COPD^1,2.

Stop smoking
Take regular exercise
Eat well and maintain a healthy weight
Practice breathing and relaxation techniques
Learn how to cough effectively
Recognize and avoid the factors that trigger flare-ups
Have an action plan for flare-ups
Take your medications as prescribed
See your doctor regularly, even if you feel well, and especially if you have any concerns
Find out if you qualify for pulmonary rehabilitation