What is COPD?

 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is known as a serious and progressive respiratory condition which results in restrictions in airflow within the lungs. COPD is considered as a disease which can be preventable and treatable characterized by a persistent limitation of airflow that normally gets worse over time. Even while medication can help keep the illness under control, breathing problems have a tendency to develop progressively worse over time and can restrict your day to day activities.

 

COPD is a leading cause of death and disability across the globe and the mortality rate from COPD is still greater among men than women in the world, although there is a rising tendency in mortality among women which is consistent with recent trends in smoking rates for both sexes. According to the disclosures of the Government of Canada, cigarette smoke has been the main reason for COPD among the population.

 

Symptoms of COPD

The symptoms of COPD  frequently start to develop from the beginning in midlife and people find it more challenging to perform their typical daily tasks when COPD worsens, frequently due to breathing difficulties.

The World Health Organization declares the most typical signs or symptoms of COPD include fatigue, a chronic cough often with phlegm, and trouble in breathing. In addition to these common symptoms people who suffer with COPD may experience health conditions such as,

 

• pneumonia and other lung infections
• lung disease such as lung cancer
• heart issues
• flimsy bones and weak muscles
• anxiety and depression.
• regular coughing or wheezing
• difficult to breath deeply

 

Does Smoking Cause COPD?

According to the World Health Organization tobacco or cigarette smoking is the main and common cause for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The lining of the lungs and airways can become damaged by the toxic compounds in smoke. 

 

The chance of developing COPD may rise if you are passively smoking around others. Even if you are not a victim of COPD, second hand smoking or the inhalation of tobacco smoke from an active smoker can be affected for you to be caught for this chronic condition.

Over 7000 chemicals are produced during cigarette burns and many of them are harmful and dangerous. 

 

 

 

 

 

The chemicals in cigarette smoke decrease the ability of your lungs to fight off infections, constrict airways, and destroy air sacs all of which are risk factors for COPD. If you use other types of  tobacco products including cigars and e-cigarettes you may run a higher chance of having COPD.

Smoking Cessation and COPD

If you are addicted to smoke while suffering with COPD the most effective way to get rid of this chronic condition is quitting smoking.  While COPD cannot be cured, it can be treated by not smoking.

Quitting smoking can help stop further harm to your lungs and airways and gradually helps to heal. It’s possible that this is the only treatment needed when COPD is first diagnosed. Even people with more severe COPD will benefit from quitting, so it’s never too late to stop.

 

 

We are aware that cigarette smoking can become addicting, and that quitting can be challenging. When you suffer from COPD, stopping smoking has a significant positive influence on your health.

 

We are here at Valley Ridge Pharmacy to assist you in your  

journey to quit smoking.

 

Book your Appointment Now!