Table 1.
staging of COPD
| Stage | Description | Findings (postbronchodilator FEV1) |
| 0 | At risk | Risk factors, chronic symptoms, but normal spirometry |
| 1 | Mild | FEV1/FVC ratio <70% |
| FEV1 at least 80% of predicted value | ||
| May have symptoms | ||
| 2 | Moderate | FEV1/FVC ratio <70% |
| FEV1 50% to <80% of predicted value | ||
| May have chronic symptoms | ||
| 3 | Severe | FEV1/FVC ratio <70% |
| FEV1 30% to <50% of predicted value | ||
| May have chronic symptoms | ||
| 4 | Very severe | FEV1/FVC ratio <70% |
| FEV1 <30% of predicted value | ||
| OR | ||
| FEV1 <50% of predicted value plus severe chronic symptoms |
COPD indicates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FEVb forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC, forced vital capacity.
Adapted with permission from Rabe KF, Hurd S, Anzueto A, et al. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:532–555. Am J Respir Crit Care Med is an official publication of the American Thoracic Society.