COPD treatment guidelines are set forth by the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and optimized for every stage of the disease. The following lists GOLD treatment guidelines for Stage I, Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV COPD:
1. Treatment Guidelines for Stage I, Mild COPD
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If you've been diagnosed with Stage I, mild COPD, you may not yet notice your COPD symptoms. The good news about being in the early stages of the disease is that by making a few basic lifestyle changes and following your COPD treatment plan, you may be able to slow its progression.
2. Treatment Guidelines for Stage II, Moderate COPD
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If you've reached Stage II, moderate COPD, you are probably just noticing your symptoms, which generally start with dyspnea that worsens with activity. You may also notice that you are coughing more and have more mucus than you usually do.
3. Treatment Guidelines for Stage III, Severe COPD
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People with severe COPD often have worsening shortness of breath, a reduced tolerance to exercise, greater fatigue and more frequent episodes of COPD exacerbation that can severely impact quality of life.
4. Treatment Guidelines for Stage IV, Very Severe COPD
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