Stage 4: Very severe
The last stage of emphysema is very severe COPD. At this stage, a person’s FEV1 is less than 30 percent. This is also known as end-stage COPD, because people who have COPD usually progress to this stage later on in life.
For people at this stage, breathing would take a lot of effort. The previous symptoms they experience, such as frequent coughing, mucus buildup, and running out of breath, are more pronounced during this stage.
A person at this stage is also more prone to infections, and might find it hard to eat and engage in any physical activity. This can further cause their condition to deteriorate. In some cases surgery or a lung transplant is the only way to treat this condition.
Key takeaways
Knowing the different emphysema stages can help people better understand just how this condition affects their overall health. When it comes to emphysema and COPD, it is important to seek medical attention as early as possible to ensure that your condition does not get any worse.
Learn more about Respiratory Health here.
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