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Have COPD? Kick the Habit
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If you have COPD, it pays to quit smoking
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By Natasha Persaud
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May 2009
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If you have the lung diseases called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (and 25 percent of chronic smokers do), the single most important step you can take to improve your condition is to quit smoking. There are significant benefits to your health, according to Norman Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. Here, he offers tips and tools to improve your chances of success:
“A substantial body of research shows that it’s worthwhile to quit, no matter how advanced your COPD or how old you are. The day you quit, your risks for heart disease and stroke go down. Within a few months, you also slow lung deterioration and start reducing your chances of lung cancer. Within nine months of smoking cessation, your coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath from COPD also decrease.”
“The basic issues of smoking are surprisingly the same. Some people with COPD say they experience worse coughing when they try to quit, but that’s actually a good thing. It means that the tiny hairs that keep the lung clear of phlegm, which are destroyed by smoke, have re-grown.”
“A trained doctor can be a powerful ally in your efforts to quit by discussing the risks of smoking, explaining your medical condition and helping you make decisions regarding treatment. The discussion points include whether or not you should use medication, and if so, which one. For example, if you’ve tried to quit before using the patch, but failed because you missed the ‘hit’ of nicotine, your doctor may suggest you try an inhaler. For ongoing support, your doctor can refer you to a good smoking cessation program in your area.”
Buying cigarettes can cost you as much
as $3,500 a year. But smoking cessation aids pay you back with
financial savings and better health after a few short months. |
“The FDA has approved seven medications including nicotine replacement therapy and nicotine-free smoking aids. Nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, comes in several forms, including inhalers, nasal sprays, gums, lozenges and patches. This therapy takes the edge off your cravings as you try to quit by slowing the delivery of nicotine into your bloodstream.
“Nicotine-free smoking aids include the antidepressant bupropion (brand name Zyban) and varenicline (brand name Chantix), a pill that blocks the pleasurable effects of nicotine on the brain.
“Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate medication based on your medical condition and what you’ve tried before. If one method doesn’t work, you can often turn to another. And more therapies may come. Researchers are now investigating several vaccines and novel medications for smoking cessation.”
“Nicotine addiction has a physical, a mental and a social aspect. Research shows that pairing counseling with medication is a very effective tool for smoking cessation. Programs are available through your county and state health departments at 800-QUIT-NOW, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society and many other venues.
“The American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program is available for free in clinics, online, by phone and as a self-help book. It guides you through the stages of quitting from building motivation and creating a plan to setting a quit date and staying on course. The program also offers advice strategies for handling cravings, preventing weight gain and reducing stress. Visit FFSonline.org or call 800-LUNG-USA.
“Another tip: Find a quit buddy—a friend or family member who is also trying to quit or who is simply willing to offer support whenever you need it. There is often a stigma that COPD is a self-inflicted disease; if you didn’t smoke, you wouldn’t have developed it. According to research, having a support system predicts success in the short-term. ”
“Even under the best circumstances, only about one in four people are successful at quitting after one year. Most people have to make the attempt more than once. Think of your previous attempts as practice quits, and try again—it’s well worth it.”
The urge to smoke passes in just 3 to 5 minutes. These strategies from
the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program can help
you get over the rough patch:
• Take a walk
• Chew gum
• Suck on candy or a lollipop
• Drink a glass of water
• Breathe deeply
• Listen to music
• Use a relaxation technique, such as visualization or progressive muscle relaxation
For additional tips, attend a quit program and visit smoking cessation message boards. |
 | Norman Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer at the American Lung Association
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