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Long-term smoking is the most frequent cause of COPD, accounting for 80 to 90 % of all cases. A smoker is 10 times more likely to die of COPD than is a non-smoker. Even second-hand smoke poses a significant risk factor for developing COPD for family members of smokers. One of the most effective treatments for someone who develops COPD is to stop smoking. This step alone can halt further progression of the disease. Avoidance of smoking usually prevents COPD from developing, and smoking cessation slows the disease process. To stop smoking can be a difficult task. Most smokers quit several times before they are successful. It is important to remind a smoker with COPD that despite the difficulty of quitting, this is essential in managing the disease. Fortunately, lots of help is available to the smoker who wants to quit. Family doctors can prescribe nicotine patches to help break the chemical addiction to nicotine, and Nicorette gum is now available over the counter to help with this problem. While the motivation of the smoker to quit is the most critical success factor in quitting, support groups and stop-smoking clinics can really help. Two organizations that offer ongoing smoking cessation classes are the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society. These classes have a focus on behavior modification that helps the smoker identify the cues that prompt his or her smoking behavior, and tips for handling the cravings that result. Both organizations have local chapters in most communities, and a simple phone call can result in lots of help for the smoker who wants to quit. Many employers also support smoking cessation efforts, and many HMO’s and other health care organizations offer classes regularly. |
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