 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a category of conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is a progressive condition that gets steadily worse. Over time, the body becomes less able to take in enough oxygen. This can ultimately result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic lower respiratory diseases — of which COPD is the most prevalent — were the sixth leading cause of death in the United States in 2022. Recognizing the end stage symptoms of COPD can help a person cope and say goodbye to loved ones, make peace with their life, seek hospice care, and discuss their final plans. In this article, we cover the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a person is nearing the end of their life. We also discuss how to help people feel calmer and more comfortable during this stage of their life.
COPD is terminal. People with COPD who do not die from another condition will usually die from COPD. Until 2011, the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease assessed the severity and stage of COPD using only forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). FEV1 is a measure of how much air a person can exhale in a single breath. When it falls below 30% of the normal amount, a person may be in the end stages of COPD. The new standard also looks at shortness of breath, as well as a person’s history of acute COPD episodes, the impact of COPD on their life, and other factors. The stages of COPD are as follows:
There are two ways to measure end stage COPD. Clinical symptoms are those that testing at a doctor’s office can reveal. These symptoms can include:
During late-stage COPD, a person tends to experience more severe flare-ups. They may need to stay in the hospital during these flare-ups. Although a person will get a little better between flare-ups, they tend not to return to their previous condition. Therefore, a person’s health becomes steadily worse with each flare-up, and each flare-up tends to be worse than the last. Some other symptoms a person might notice in late-stage COPD include:
Although COPD is terminal, people may not always die of the condition directly, or of oxygen deprivation. Some people with COPD have other medical conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease. In fact, within 5 years of diagnosis, COPD is also an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Many treatment options are available to help a person with end stage COPD cope with the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Although supplemental oxygen and COPD medications may help, they may not be as helpful as they were in the earlier stages. Palliative care helps with pain and distress. However, will not treat the underlying condition. Some palliative care options include:
Many people with terminal conditions find significant help from hospice care. Hospices provide end-of-life care that focuses on helping the person feel comfortable, easing their discomfort, and supporting them to make peace with death. Hospice providers prioritize the well-being of the patient and their desire for a good death, rather than preserving life at all costs. For some people, anxiety about death is more painful than the physical discomfort of COPD. A person might worry about their legacy or their family, about spiritual matters, or whether they have lived a good life. Some strategies that may help include:
End stage COPD can be overwhelming. Seeking appropriate palliative care can help with the physical discomfort of COPD. It is normal for people to feel afraid or angry, and those who are close to death should not feel ashamed of these emotions. A compassionate medical team and supportive hospice care can help a person feel comfortable and comforted during this stage of their life. Read this article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that is often preventable and treatable. If you or a loved one has COPD, there are steps to take to cope with the lifestyle changes this disease brings. Learning about COPD and its treatment can help you feel more in control. Key Points
What Is COPD?With COPD, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and thicken, and the tissue where oxygen is exchanged is destroyed. The flow of air in and out of your lungs decreases. When that happens, less oxygen gets into your body tissues, and it becomes harder to get rid of the waste gas carbon dioxide. As the disease gets worse, shortness of breath makes it harder to remain active. Sometimes referred to as either chronic bronchitis or emphysema, most people will have symptoms of both conditions, so health professionals prefer to call the disease COPD. However, some doctors think that chronic bronchitis may be present even though a person does not have the airway obstruction characteristic of COPD. Your doctor can explain your condition and the best way to treat it. It is important to remember that in many cases, COPD can be prevented and can be treated.
COPD is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. More than 12.5 million people have been diagnosed with COPD, but millions more may have the disease without even knowing it. COPD causes serious long-term disability and early death. At this time there is no cure, and the number of people dying from COPD is growing. COPD in WomenDeaths resulting from COPD in women are higher than in men. There are a few reasons why this happens.
COPD is often not found until the disease is very advanced because people do not know the early warning signs. Sometimes people think they are short of breath or less able to take part in their normal activities because they are "just getting older." It Can Be TreatedThere's no cure for COPD, but the good news is that it can be found early. Much can be done to treat and help manage the disease. Through medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and social support, many people are able to live with their disease for many years.
Next: COPD Causes and Risk Factors |
Do copd sufferers die of respiratory causes or other causes?
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