The prognosis for severe COPD is poor and survival time varies from person to person, usually around 2-5 years. The severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is graded according to FEV1 as a percentage of expected value in pulmonary function tests, and is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or very severe. Severe COPD is characterized by further worsening of airflow limitation, FEV1 in the range of 30% to 50% of the expected value, increased shortness of breath and recurrent acute exacerbations that affect quality of life. Severe COPD may progress to chronic pulmonary heart disease and respiratory failure. In general, the survival period for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is about 2-5 years, and patients are at risk of death if they develop heart failure and respiratory failure based on severe lung infections. However, if patients undergo standard treatment, the survival period can be extended appropriately. In addition, during the disease, patients should quit smoking and alcohol, and appropriately perform respiratory muscle function exercises, oxygen therapy, and regular use of bronchodilators to improve the quality of life and maximize the survival period.