Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe asthma. These diseases cause a hindrance to airflow in the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
COPD may have various causes, including frequent exposure to air pollutants and secondhand smoke. E.g., Living with someone who smokes regularly or constant exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The connection between smoking and COPD
- There are more than 7000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and about 250 of them are harmful.
- According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 20% of smokers eventually develop COPD.
- The American Lung Association indicates that smoking is the leading cause of COPD.
What does smoking do to the lungs?
- Smoking irritates the lungs, causing persistent coughing.
- Smoking destroys the lung tissue and decreases the number of blood vessels in the lungs
- Smoking increases the number of mucus-producing cells in the lungs, and since the lungs can no longer effectively clean out this excess mucus, the mucus stays in the airways leads to coughing.
How To Prevent And Treat COPD
To prevent COPD, don’t start smoking. If you have COPD, smoking cessation is the most effective treatment method.
Stay away from secondhand smoke, which is smoke that has been exhaled by a person smoking or smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, hookah, or pipes.
Smoking cessation can also reduce the risk of developing stroke, coronary heart disease and increases your life expectancy.
Conclusion
At Carolina Clinical Research, we conduct clinical trials in several areas, primarily specializing in Pulmonary Disorders (including COPD and Asthma) and Infectious Diseases (including COVID-19). For more information about participating in our COPD clinical trials, kindly contact us via +17042904587
