The European Respiratory Society (ERS) diagnostic criteria for COPD include the following symptoms: coughing, sputum production and/or dyspnoea, as well as a history of exposure to risk factors for COPD. The diagnosis is confirmed by a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7 in spirometry, as sign of the airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.
GOLD Staging System for COPD Severity
Stage | Description | Findings (based on postbronchodilator FEV1) |
0 | At risk | Risk factors and chronic symptoms but normal spirometry |
I | Mild |
FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70 percent FEV1 at least 80 percent of predicted value May have symptoms |
II | Moderate |
FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70 percent FEV1 50 percent to less than 80 percent of predicted value May have chronic symptoms |
III | Severe |
FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70 percent FEV1 30 percent to less than 50 percent of predicted value May have chronic symptoms |
IV | Very severe |
FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70 percent FEV1 less than 30 percent of predicted value or FEV1 less than 50 percent of predicted value plus severe chronic symptoms |
GOLD = Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC = forced vital capacity.
References:
- Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Updated 2005. Accessed online April 01, 2006. [Summary]
- Dewar M, Curry RW Jr. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnostic considerations. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Feb 15;73(4):669-76. [Medline]
- Pierson DJ. Clinical practice guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review and comparison of current resources. Respir Care. 2006 Mar;51(3):277-88. [Medline]
Created: Apr 01, 2006