COPD and Smoking: Understanding the Devastating Connection

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease which is characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, increased mucus production and shortness of breath. Most COPD patients currently smoke or have a history of smoking.

• Smoking: A Dangerous Habit

Statistics

• According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, COPD is the fourth most common cause of death in America with more than 12 million people having been diagnosed. Smokers account for between 80 and 90 percent of COPD deaths.

COPD Symptoms

• COPD is characterized by a diminished air flow in and out of your airways due to several factors: damaged walls between air sacs, swollen airways, increased mucus (which clogs your airway) or decreased elasticity in your air sacs and airways.

COPD Facts

• COPD is an umbrella term which includes both emphysema (a disease commonly associated with smoking) and chronic bronchitis. Both types of lung disease include declining lung function which is exacerbated by continuing to smoke.

How Smoking Causes COPD

• Toxins and chemicals in tobacco smoke damage your airways and lungs. Cigarette smoke contains tar which also damages and narrows the protective lining of your lungs while repeatedly irritating your lungs.

Other COPD Causes

• Other causes of COPD include exposure to chemical fumes, dust, air pollution and other lung irritants.

Treatment

• There is no cure for COPD; however, medical treatments to slow the disease's progress along with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and developing healthy eating and exercise habits can help you to stay active and feel better