Caring For Your Loved One With End-Stage COPD 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, in short COPD, is a progressive condition for which the scientific world has not come up with a cure yet. It is a condition in which the lungs of the sufferer will be inflamed in a way that can cause obstruction to the airway with mucus production and swelling. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two conditions that can lead to COPD. Bronchitis is characterized by frequent coughing and shortness of breath is the most common symptom of emphysema.  COPD In Seniors  As per many studies conducted in senior assisted living and other senior care facilities, many seniors in the country suffer from COPD. The condition has four stages of progression and the last stage is called advanced COPD or end-stage COPD. If you are caring for a senior loved one with COPD at home, the support you offer, together with medical treatment can help slow down the progression of the condition.  COPD – Stages Of Progression The different stages of COPD are based on the ability of the sufferer to breathe with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. A Forced Expiratory Volume test is the main lung function test that is used to assess the disease progression of a patient. The test makes use of equipment to measure the amount of air that the person can release forcefully from his/her lungs in a second. For instance, an FEV1 reading of 36 shows that a patient expelled 36% of the expected volume. These classifications allow a physician to understand […]