How long can someone live with COPD?

Hello Anonymous,
Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease or COPD is a lung disease that may include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both.

In general, lung function of a person with COPD declines slowly but steadily, until there is a sudden worsening of symptoms. This speeds up lung damage.
Early detection of COPD and early intervention offers the best prognosis.

The most important thing a person with COPD can do to stop further lung damage is to quit smoking. Secondly, getting a flu shot or a pneumonia shot can prevent respiratory infections and lessen the progress to worsening COPD. A pulmonary rehabilitation program that includes exercises to help build physical fitness and teaches breathing techniques can improve the life of a person with COPD.

In the later stages of COPD, a person's lungs cannot get enough oxygen and the use of home oxygen becomes necessary. It is difficult to say just how long a person with end stage COPD can live.

Maryann