Note, however, that the BODE index provides only a general prediction of mortality.
It is now known that age may also play a role in the BODE index’s accuracy.
It is an estimate of how overweight or underweight a person is in relation to their body frame.
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With COPD, being underweight or malnourished is a poor sign for prognosis.
Keep in mind, however, that BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
FEV1 is a strong predictor of survival in people with COPD.
DDyspnea
Dyspneais the physical sensation of shortness of breath or breathlessness.
Early on, a person with COPD may only become breathless if they walk 5 miles.
Later on, that same person may note breathlessness with any movement at all.
The symptom of dyspnea is objectified by a measurement called themodified Medical Research Council (MMRC) Dyspnea Index.
A standard test called thesix-minute walk testis used to obtain the exercise capacity value for the BODE index.
It can provide both an estimate of hospitalizations and risk of death.
Unintended stops during the test and other measured variables appear to be good prognostic factors in COPD.
The BODE index is meant to be used as a tool for informational purposes only.
It should not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
Summary
Predicting life expectancy with COPD is not an exact science.
Chief among these is smoking.
No other changeable factor has a greater impact on your survival time than the habit of lighting up.
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