Pulmonary Disorders II

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms

(dyspnea, cough, sputum production, exacerbations) as a result of abnormalities of the airways

(bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow

obstruction (Table 11).

Grade

Spirometric GOLD Classification (based

on post-bronchodilator FEV1)

GOLD 1:

Mild

FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted

GOLD 2:

Moderate

50% ≤ FEV1 < 80% predicted

GOLD 3:

Severe

30% ≤ FEV1 < 50% predicted

GOLD 4:

Very severe

FEV1 < 30% predicted

FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration; GOLD = Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

Adapted from: Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COPD. 2024.

and sputum that worsen over less than 14 days, which may be accompanied by tachypnea and/or

tachycardia and is often associated with local and systemic inflammation caused by airway infection,

CAT = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test; mMRC = Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire.

≥ 2 or

≥ 1 leading to

hospital admission

Moderate or severe

exacerbation history

Symptoms

A

B

0 or 1

(not leading to

hospital admission)

mMRC 0-1

CAT < 10

mMRC ≥ 2

CAT ≥ 10

E