Leading a healthy life can be challenging if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But the good news is COPD is often preventable and, with the right support team, treatable.
Read on to hear from our expert, Sigfredo Aldarondo, MD, to learn more about the connection between smoking and COPD and how you can improve your pulmonary health.
What Is COPD?
According to Dr. Aldarondo, “COPD is the third leading cause of death by disease in the United States. It’s a chronic health condition that results in the airways of your lungs becoming thickened and inflamed, leading to less oxygen flow.” Shortness of breath is usually the first sign of COPD, and unfortunately, many Americans write this symptom off as insignificant, not knowing that they have COPD.
“The good news is that you might be able to prevent a COPD diagnosis if you quit smoking,” explains Dr. Aldarondo. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking accounts for as many as eight out of 10 COPD-related deaths. Quitting smoking — or smoking cessation — can be hard, but you aren’t alone. We’re here to walk with you through your journey and give you tips on how to quit smoking.
COPD and Pulmonary Health
COPD is categorized as a progressive lung disease, which means it worsens over time. This disease has a direct correlation to your overall lung health. Dr. Aldarondo explains, “If you smoke, thousands of harmful chemicals are burned and absorbed into your lungs. Over time, your air tubes become irritated, damage to your air sacs occurs and your airways weaken overall, leading to a diagnosis of COPD.”
This condition presents gradually and will likely be present for years in many cases before symptoms appear. Common symptoms of COPD include:
- A lingering cough
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a visit with your doctor. Factors that increase your COPD risk include:
- A history of childhood respiratory infections
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Older age
- People who have underdeveloped lungs
- People with a history of asthma
- Smoke exposure from a wood or coal-burning oven
Knowing if you’re at high risk for COPD ensures you get the preventive care you need to live a happy, healthy life.
Can COPD Be Treated?
When it comes to treating COPD, “the best option to engage in preventive health. If you don’t smoke, it’s wise not to start. If you do smoke, however, the most important part of your treatment is smoking cessation,” says Dr. Aldarondo.
Other treatments for COPD, according to the CDC, are:
- Avoiding lung infections
- Avoiding air pollutants
- Consistent exercise
- Immunizations
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Smoking cessation
- Taking medications
- Using supplemental oxygen
According to the American Lung Association, there’s no definitive cure for people with COPD. However, engaging in treatment options and preventive care can greatly impact your experience. If you don’t already have a doctor, it’s important to find a primary care provider near you so you can go over the best treatment options for you. You’re not alone in facing COPD; we’re always here for you.
Tips to Quit Smoking
We understand that quitting smoking can feel like an impossible feat. That’s why we’re here to provide tips to help you quit smoking. For some, education on nicotine dependence and learning what steps to follow to quit smoking are very helpful. For others, medication may be their best next step to help ease withdrawal symptoms. The CDC recommends:
- Adjusting your medications
- Distracting yourself
- Finding safe substitutes for cigarettes (transdermal nicotine is the most reliable)
- Making your environment work for you
According to the American Cancer Society, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) almost doubles your chances of successfully quitting smoking. Other tips to quit smoking include seeing a mental health professional. “We know that quitting smoking can be hard, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated care teams are here to walk alongside you every step of the way,” emphasizes Dr. Aldarondo.
The Support You Need
At AdventHealth, we care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Our expert pulmonary hypertension specialists are here to provide you with the whole-person health care you deserve. You don’t have to face COPD alone.
Visit us here to learn more about how we care for your pulmonary health. You’ll always have dedicated support.
