Question
A 65-year-old male smoker is diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Post-bronchodilator spirometry shows an FEV₁/FVC ratio of <0.70 and an FEV₁ of 42% of the predicted value. According to the GOLD classification, what is the severity of airflow obstruction?
| A. |
Mild
|
| B. |
Moderate
|
| C. |
Severe
|
| D. |
Very severe
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » C
Explanation
|
|
GOLD Criteria for COPD Severity:
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classifies COPD severity based on post-bronchodilator spirometry results, specifically the FEV₁/FVC ratio and FEV₁ (% predicted):
| Stage |
FEV₁ (% Predicted) |
Description |
| Mild (GOLD 1) |
≥80% |
Minimal airflow obstruction |
| Moderate (GOLD 2) |
50–79% |
Moderate airflow obstruction |
| Severe (GOLD 3) |
30–49% |
Severe airflow obstruction |
| Very Severe (GOLD 4) |
<30% |
Very severe obstruction |
Interpretation for this Patient:
- FEV₁/FVC < 0.7: Confirms the diagnosis of COPD (airflow obstruction).
- FEV₁ = 42% of predicted: Falls in the range of 30–49%, which corresponds to severe (GOLD 3) airflow obstruction.
