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My FEV1/FVC is 56. I thought that was at a Stage 2, but my pulmonologist says severe COPD. How can that be? I just use my inhaler 2xdaily,

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Polo, IL
October 28, 2025
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A MyCOPDTeam Member

Yep, I can remember when it was considered vital that we know our current Stage and what all the numbers stand for. But I was once told that the doctors had to report all that information to the Insurance companies. I'm not at all good with numbers, particularly related to medical jargon, so I'll leave that alone and do all the sensible things that I can.

October 29, 2025
MyCOPDTeam

What does an FEV1/FVC ratio of 56% mean for COPD staging?

The FEV1/FVC ratio helps confirm COPD, but staging is primarily based on FEV1 percentage alone, not the ratio. An FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% confirms airflow obstruction, which your 56% shows.

To determine if you're in stage 2 (moderate) or stage 3 (severe), what Show Full Answer

What does an FEV1/FVC ratio of 56% mean for COPD staging?

The FEV1/FVC ratio helps confirm COPD, but staging is primarily based on FEV1 percentage alone, not the ratio. An FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% confirms airflow obstruction, which your 56% shows.

To determine if you're in stage 2 (moderate) or stage 3 (severe), what matters most is your FEV1 percentage of predicted normal lung function:

Stage 2 (Moderate COPD):
- FEV1: 50% to 79% of predicted normal
- Symptoms like chronic cough, phlegm production, fatigue, and worsening shortness of breath
- About 20% experience exacerbations

Stage 3 (Severe COPD):
- FEV1: 30% to 49% of predicted normal
- Daily symptoms affecting quality of life
- Frequent flare-ups, wheezing during daily tasks, chest tightness, and possible swelling in feet/ankles

Your doctor will look at your FEV1 percentage (not the ratio) to classify your stage. If there's confusion between stage 2 and severe classification, ask your healthcare provider to clarify your specific FEV1 percentage and what that means for your treatment plan.

October 28, 2025
A MyCOPDTeam Member

You're looking at the wrong number. It is the FEV1 % that determines your stage.

AI pretty well explained it out for you. Glad you asked to check. But the odds are the doctor knows what he is talking about. You can have him explain what he is looking at and for on the test results. We get carried away with the stages but those numbers are not like stages of cancer. We can live a long time in each stage.

October 29, 2025

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