Quitting Smoking: The Key to Managing COPD and Improving Lung Health

Resources, Tips for Quitting, and Encouragement

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing more difficult and may worsen over time. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD and is also the primary trigger for flare-ups in those who have the condition. Although COPD is not reversible, quitting smoking can significantly slow the progression of the disease, help preserve lung function, and improve quality of life. Let's explore how quitting smoking benefits your lungs and how you can take steps toward a smoke-free life.

Lesley Williams, a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Apria with 35 years of experience, states, “Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps you can take to manage COPD and improve your lung health. It’s a challenging journey, but with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely possible to breathe easier and live a healthier life.”

What Happens in Your Lungs When You Quit Smoking?

The lungs and respiratory system recover almost immediately after quitting smoking. Here’s what you can expect after quitting, according to the American Lung Association:

• 20 minutes smoke-free: Heart rate drops to a normal level.
• 24 hours smoke-free: Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• 2-3 months smoke-free: Lung function begins to improve.
• 9 months smoke-free: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
• 1 year smoke-free: The risk of having a heart attack or coronary heart disease drops significantly.
• 5 years smoke-free: The risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, or esophagus drops significantly.
• 10 years smoke-free: The risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half compared to someone who continues to smoke.

For people with COPD, these changes can lead to a noticeable improvement in symptoms, such as coughing and breathing difficulties, within days to weeks. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of COPD flare-ups, lowers the risk of death, and preserves the lung function you have left.

How to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely possible. Here are some effective methods to help you quit:

1. Medications: Several medications can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Learn more about medication options.
2. Group Therapy or Individual Counseling: Support groups and counseling provide emotional support and practical tips for quitting smoking. Engaging with others who are going through the same journey can be motivating.
3. Going “Cold Turkey”: Some people choose to quit smoking abruptly without the aid of medications or nicotine replacements. This method requires strong determination and a clear understanding of the challenges involved. Learn more about the cold turkey approach.
4. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): NRT provides a lower dose of nicotine to help ease withdrawal symptoms without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. This can be in patches, gums, lozenges, or inhalers. Learn more about NRT.

Behavioral Tips to Help with Quitting

While the strategies above can aid in quitting smoking, adopting certain behaviors can further support your journey to becoming smoke-free:

• Stay Motivated: Write down your reasons for quitting and keep them handy. Review your list whenever you feel the urge to smoke.
• Set a Quit Date: Choose a specific date to quit smoking and make preparations to start your new, smoke-free life on that day.
• Remove Triggers: Get rid of cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and anything else that reminds you of smoking. Clean your car and wash your clothes to remove the smell of smoke.
• Change Your Routine: Avoid situations and routines that trigger the urge to smoke. Find new activities to replace smoke breaks, such as walking or practicing deep breathing exercises.
• Reward Yourself: Set short-term and long-term goals for staying smoke-free and reward yourself when you achieve them. This can help keep you motivated and focused.
• Drink More Water: Staying hydrated can help curb cravings. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which are common triggers for smoking.
• Plan Ahead for Temptation: Keep healthy snacks or substitutes, such as gum, hard candy, or stress-relief tools, on hand to manage cravings.
• Get Moving: Physical activity can distract you from cravings and reduce stress. Try going for a walk, exercising, or engaging in a hobby.
• Find Support: Surround yourself with non-smokers and ex-smokers who encourage you. Plan how to handle social situations where smoking may be present.
• Don’t Be Discouraged: Quitting smoking is a process, and many people try several times before they succeed. Learn from each attempt, and don’t give up.

Treating Severe Hypoglycemia

In cases of severe nicotine withdrawal, individuals may experience intense cravings or symptoms. For those who struggle with quitting, consider using glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose) as a prescribed emergency treatment to stabilize your health. Never use insulin injections during hypoglycemia, as this can worsen your condition.

Remember, quitting smoking is a journey that requires patience and persistence. By understanding the benefits of quitting and utilizing various strategies and support systems, you can successfully manage COPD and improve your overall health.

References
Association, American Lung. “I Want to Quit Smoking.” American Lung Association. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit.
“Help! I Want to Quit Smoking!” www.heart.org, July 31, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/help-i-want-to-quit-smoking.
“Smoking and COPD.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/copd.html.
“Stay Away from Tobacco.” American Cancer Society. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco.html. 

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