What Is The Life Expectancy When Suffering From COPD?

Posted on Tue, 17 Jun 2014

Question: how long can my father in law live with copd he is in hospice care now he only has 18 percent of heart working now an is home he is walking but they tell me that is the calm before storm

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
any thing can happen any time. no expectations

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I went through the query and understood your concern.

With COPD, 78 years old and only 18% of heart working, any thing can happen any time as told by your doctors. At this stage survival is very difficult.

Just another episode of breathlessness or ischaemia may take his life. Now his survival depends on the care and mainly his internal body functions. So we can't expect much from him. His survival may end in few hours to weeks.

I hope this information answered your question. Feel free to ask for any further queries. I will be glad to answer them.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Lohit K (36 minutes later)

in your experience what is life expectancy how long do you think he would live
what ischaemia

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
from days to months.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Ischaemia means reduction in blood supply to heart. That is the most common cause for cardiac arrest. Since only 18% of heart is working with COPD a minor infection or any other problem may affect his life.

Since he is walking around, with his condition his life may be prolonged to 3-5 months with very good hygiene and care. If any mild infection like common cold or variation in electrolytes due to intestinal infection, respiratory tract infection can be fatal for him. Thats why we can't predict exactly.

I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask for any further queries.

Wish you and your family good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar