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End Stage Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a condition characterized by long-term impairment of lung function related to causes including chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The end stage of this disorder presents several typical features.

  1. The Facts

    • COPD involves progressive decreases in the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, according to the Mayo Clinic. In end stage COPD, capacity decreases progress enough to become life-threatening.

    Symptom Flare-Ups

    • Individuals with end-stage COPD may experience serious symptom flare-ups, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. In some cases, these incidents may necessitate use of a mechanical ventilator and breathing tube.

    Respiratory Failure

    • Rising levels of blood carbon dioxide act like a narcotic on some individuals with end-stage COPD, according to the Pulmonology Channel. Eventually, this process can lead to unconsciousness and a stoppage in breathing.

    Additional Outcomes

    • In addition to respiratory failure, individuals with COPD may die from causes including heart failure, pneumonia, lung cancer and pulmonary embolisms (lung artery blockages), according to the MMOML.

    Considerations

    • The MMOML notes that COPD does not typically progress to its end stage in individuals who quit smoking when air flow deficits are mild.

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