According to the American Lung Association, smoking causes about 75% of all COPD cases.1 When you quit smoking it is important to note that it cannot reverse or cure the damage already done. However, it can significantly slow down the progression of COPD, alleviate symptoms, reduce mortality rates, and prevent flare-ups.2 Therefore, quitting smoking is a crucial step to consider in managing COPD and improving your quality of life.
What are some strategies for those trying to quit?
Finding Support
It is really hard to quit smoking, but knowing where you can get support can help you find encouragement to stay committed. This support can come from various sources, such as family, friends, support groups, or healthcare professionals. With the right support system in place, you can feel more confident in succeeding with the goal of quitting.
For example, group counseling is a useful resource for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others going through the smoking cessation process. Sessions offer access to an understanding community, professional insights, quitting strategies, and supportive people who can help keep you accountable.
Medication is another form of support you can draw on as you stop smoking. Taking certain medication can help by lessening the withdrawal symptoms and cravings that make the process more difficult. Medications can include nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum, and prescriptions from a doctor.3
“I was diagnosed with COPD in 2002, but it took me seven years to quit smoking. I tried everything! What finally did it was a coughing fit so severe that I didn’t think I’d catch my breath and come out of it. I put my faith in God and quit that day.”
– Gail, a Zephyr® Valve treated patient who quit smoking and got one step closer to improving her quality of life. Read her story here.
The Zephyr Valve treatment is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help improve breathing for severe COPD/emphysema patients. Patients will need to quit smoking at least 4 months prior to receiving this treatment and must refrain from smoking after the procedure.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to not smoking, you can make other changes in your activities and routines to help stay on track with quitting. Participating in a physical activity you enjoy can help with stress, anxiety, and other symptoms that can come from smoking cessation.4 While some types of exercise can be difficult for those with COPD, there are others that can keep you physically active while helping with COPD symptoms.
When deciding where to make chances in your lifestyle, identifying triggers can be a good way to start. By recognizing the situations, activities, or emotions that make you want to smoke, you can plan ahead with ways to make it easier to resist that urge and stay committed to quitting. Whether this means finding ways to manage stress or avoiding certain activities, knowing your triggers can help you stay in control of your cravings throughout your day.
Quitting smoking is a difficult challenge, but you can do it.
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