There are generally four stages: mild, moderate, severe and very severe. To determine the stage, docs use the FEV1, and look at how many exacerbations you've had, what your functioning level is and your history. You can read more about staging here: http://pocketconsultantguide.copdfoundation.org/ and here: http://www.goldcopd.org/

Jean

@A MyCOPDTeam Member can you tell me on my pulmonary function test I show FEV1 0.57 and then I have a FEV1/FVC that is .36 and yet they say I have severe obstructive ventilatory defect. air trapping is indicated by increased RV. reduced diffusion capacity suggests anatomic emphysema.Arterial blood gas on room air revealed normal acid base with hypoxemia. My Dr. seemed surprised and acted like he didn't realize how bad my breathing was. He just told me it's severe! Can you explain it a little better?

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A MyCOPDT...