Lung disease in smokers who don’t have COPD

This study affirms that these people can experience serious health consequences, even without COPD. This finding also brings into question how we should classify chronic respiratory disease. So far, we haven’t determined a way of classifying those who have symptoms but don’t quite meet the usual criteria for COPD, and we also don’t have much data or guidance on how best to treat them. In the meantime, quitting smoking remains the best way to lower your chances of getting COPD — and the best way to lessen any respiratory symptoms you’re having. Most smokers who stop will feel better, with less cough and mucus, within 12 months. They will also lower their risk of getting (and dying from) smoking-related illnesses. Though the benefits of stopping smoking are greater at younger ages, there is always a benefit from stopping, even at the age of 80! If you are a smoker and you want to stop, talk to your doctor. Quitting is a challenge, but there are a number of tools and treatments available to help you through it. Related Post:Quitting smoking doesn’t have to mean big weight gainLow-nicotine cigarettes may help determined smokers cut backMedicare says it will cover lung cancer scans for long-time…New strategies help smokers quit when nicotine replacement…Join the Great American SmokeoutThe post Lung disease in smokers who don’t have COPD appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
Source: New Harvard Health Information - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Lung disease Smoking cessation COPD Source Type: news