COPD Prognosis
COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States! Unfortunately, COPD cannot be cured. It can only be treated. Thus, an individual’s COPD prognosis is based on how effectively his disease can be managed.
Rates of survival are based on several factors, including an individual’s body mass index (BMI), level of airway obstruction, shortness of breath at various levels of activity, and 6-minute walking distance. The better an individual rates in each of these activities, the better his prognosis is for long-term survival.
Please consult your physician to review each of these factors in detail and to determine your COPD prognosis. He or she can also help determine how to improve any individual factor he or she deems necessary.
Important Points to Remember
- STOP SMOKING! (See Smoking and Additional Quitting Smoking Resources).
- Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of COPD and seek treatment early for this potentially devastating disease! (See COPD Symptoms).