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.”
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:
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.
Quitting smoking is challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely possible. Here are some effective methods to help you quit:
While the strategies above can aid in quitting smoking, adopting certain behaviors can further support your journey to becoming smoke-free:
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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