What is typically required when FEV1 is below 30% in COPD grading?

When FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) is below 30% in the grading of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it typically indicates a significant level of airflow limitation and severe disease. At this stage, patients experience substantial difficulty in breathing and have a high risk of respiratory failure.

Long-term oxygen therapy becomes crucial for these patients because they often suffer from chronic hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood). Supplemental oxygen is essential to improve oxygen saturation levels, thereby reducing strain on the heart and other organs and improving overall survival rates. This therapy can help alleviate symptoms, enhance quality of life, and extend functional capacity, making it a vital intervention at this advanced stage of COPD.

While increasing physical activity, participating in rehabilitation programs, and intensive monitoring are important components of COPD management, when FEV1 is below 30%, the priority shifts to addressing the critical need for oxygen support to manage the immediate risks associated with severe disease.