How fast do I go through the different stages of COPD?
How fast a COPD progresses depends on many different factors and is individually different. Since COPD is predominantly smokers and cigarette smoking is considered the main trigger, the most decisive factor in the course and progression of the disease is that the patient stops smoking. Other factors such as the age of the patient, concomitant and secondary diseases, exposure to inhaled irritants (e.g. at work) and the general physical and training condition also play a role. Overall, it can be said that the course of the disease of COPD develops over many years with a constant deterioration in respiratory function and physical resilience.
Is COPD always fatal?
As the disease progresses, there is a higher incidence of seizure-like deterioration and infections in the course of the disease, so-called exacerbations. Patients can die either from the disease itself, from recurrent infections or from the accompanying diseases, which are also caused by long-term cigarette consumption. The only way to positively influence the course of the disease is to refrain from smoking. However, since the lungs are irreversibly damaged by COPD, the only way to slow down or even stop the disease from progressing further is to try to prevent it.
How can I positively influence the course?
Since COPD occurs predominantly in smokers, the best way to positively influence the course of the disease is to stop smoking. In addition to the stadium-dependent drug therapy, patients should follow a regular training program. In addition, there are patient training and rehabilitation programs, in which physical training in particular is carried out, e.g. in lung sports groups or with targeted respiratory and physiotherapy.
Weight-adapted nutrition plays another important role. In addition, annual vaccination against influenza viruses and pneumococcus is recommended, as they are frequent pathogens of respiratory tract infections. In this way, acute deterioration (exacerbations) and thus the complication rate can be reduced. It is particularly important for COPD patients to avoid all pollutants that are harmful to the lungs, e.g. particulate matter, substances that irritate the lungs at the workplace or industrial and traffic fumes.
