Question 1

is copd life threatening?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Imagine drowning slowly over 20 years.  That's what COPD is like.  If you have copd, and continue to smoke heavily, you very slowly deprive your body of the ability to oxygenate your body and mind.  Eventually you might need supplemental oxygen just to get from your bed to your kitchen.  And having COPD makes you more susceptible to life threatening infections like pneumonia.

Question 2

how can you expect life to bevwith copd?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on how severe it is. The way you can tell how severe it is is with lung function testing. For very severe patients, it can be difficult with shortness of breath, wheezing, low oxygen levels, coughing, and the like. 

But, if you have mild disease, you can live a normal life. Even with more significant copd, you can live an active lifestyle. See your doctor and get evaluated. That's best.

Question 3

what is the life expectancy of someone who has been diagnosed with copd?

Accepted Answer

BODE index: A combination of multiple factors predict survival in patients with copd. One such grading system is called bode index. This takes into account body mass index, severity of breathlessness, distance walked in 6 minutes, and lung function. The last two require testing in pulmonary function lab.  Bode index can predict 4 yr survival and risk of hospitalization.

Question 4

can you lead a normal life spam with copd?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: If you have mild COPD and quit smoking and take your therapy and exercise you may achieve a normal life span. However most COPD  that comes to the attention of physicians is advanced  and likely does contribute to a shortened life span.

Question 5

if copd is caught early, could someone live a totally normal life?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The key is stopping smoking as early as possible, even before COPD develops.

Question 6

how can copd effect your sex life?

Accepted Answer

How severe?: Mild COPD may do nothing except may be sometimes coughing at inopportuned time if that is the case. As it gets worse tolerance to activity and even oxygenation becomes a problem.

Question 7

what is life expectancy of a patient who has copd?

Accepted Answer

Depends on factors: Such as body mass index, degree of airway obstruction,  degree of uncomfortable breathing, exercise tolerance, smoking status, presence of complications including pulmonary hypertension, right sided heart failure, chronic respiratory failure, degree of carbon dioxide retention, frequency of exacerbations, and other medical conditions. I have had patients die in their 50s & some that lived 90+ yrs.

Question 8

what is the life expectancy of a 74 year old male with severe copd?

Accepted Answer

Depends: There are many factors associated with this type of question. How long have you been diagnosed, exactly what is "severe"do you smoke, etc. It has been shown that COPD patients who use pulmonary rehabilitation do better than those who do not.

Question 9

i've got both asthma and copd i have to change a lot of things in my life..can you advise me on how to keep my home asthma friendly?

Accepted Answer

Asthma/copd: Consult with an allegy specialist to determine what you are allegic to and to teach you how to keep an allergy free house to help control.

Question 10

what is the life expectancy of someone with copd and emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Depends,: The prognostic point scale for COPD is found here: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/297664-overview#aw2aab6b2b6aa.  For example, of patients who cannot walk 100yards without shortness of breath, FEV1 of 36-49% predicted compared with age match controls, BMI

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When is copd life threatening

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Is copd life threatening?

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How can you expect life to bevwith copd?

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What is the life expectancy of someone who has been diagnosed with copd?

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Can you lead a normal life spam with copd?

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If copd is caught early, could someone live a totally normal life?

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How can copd effect your sex life?

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What is life expectancy of a patient who has copd?

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What is the life expectancy of a 74 year old male with severe copd?

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I've got both asthma and copd i have to change a lot of things in my life..can you advise me on how to keep my home asthma friendly?

A member asked:

What is the life expectancy of someone with copd and emphysema?

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