November 15 is observed as World COPD Day. This disease remains one of the least studied, yet it poses a serious threat. How to act at the first signs and what preventive measures to take was explained by Marine Gambarayan, head of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Center.
About 50% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases are related to smoking. The other 50% arise from various internal and external factors that can exacerbate the situation.
COPD is most often diagnosed in older adults, but the predisposition to this disease can manifest in youth. For example, in genetically predisposed conditions, emphysema can develop at a young age. Early factors such as low birth weight and lung development disorders can lead to decreased lung function by the age of 20-25 and increase the risk of 'early' COPD. Maternal smoking during pregnancy, as well as smoking, including passive smoking, and the use of electronic cigarettes can significantly increase this risk.
Moreover, vapes and electronic cigarettes can also contribute to the development of COPD. Studies show that for individuals predisposed to COPD or with early signs of the disease, switching to vapes and electronic cigarettes often leads to a sharp decline in lung function, frequent exacerbations, and deterioration of overall health.
Tobacco heating systems, like regular and electronic cigarettes, trigger numerous inflammatory reactions that promote the development of COPD.
If one continues to smoke after being diagnosed with COPD, it will only worsen the disease, lead to more frequent exacerbations, and accelerate the development of respiratory failure and death. Quitting smoking is the only way to slow or halt the decline in lung function and prevent the progression of COPD. Below are some recommendations for those who intend to quit this harmful habit.
1. Set Yourself Up for Success
Focus on the benefits of quitting smoking. It is important to realize the reasons why you need to quit (health, family, children, financial costs, or simply the desire to break free from addiction), make a list, and read it every day, especially at moments when the urge to smoke arises. Do not dwell on past failures, if any. Try to understand what went wrong and avoid repeating mistakes.
2. Plan Your Quit
Keep a diary where you record every cigarette smoked. Before lighting up, ask yourself: is it really necessary right now? Try to anticipate what might trigger the urge to smoke and think ahead about how to avoid such situations.
Set a date when you will finally quit smoking and promise yourself 'not a single puff more.' Try to keep that promise and endure until the urge to smoke passes.
Inform your family and friends about your intentions. You can suggest that they quit smoking with you or ask for support if the temptation to 'stray from the path' arises.
3. Find New Hobbies
These can include video games, culinary experiments, activities with children, sculpting, drawing, crafting, or yoga. If yoga is not suitable, choose any other sport or physical activity, such as dancing.
Physical activity is a source of endorphins that can replace those provided by nicotine. Engaging in sports occupies time, reduces the craving to smoke, brings pleasure, and boosts self-confidence.
4. Pay Attention to Your Diet
Some foods, such as meat, can enhance the pleasure of smoking, while cheeses, fruits, and vegetables make the taste of cigarettes unbearable.
Try to change your habits after meals, find activities to avoid the temptation to smoke. Carrot sticks, celery, cucumber, or seeds can help keep your hands and mouth busy, distracting you from cigarettes.
Cigarette smoke increases the risk of cancer in animals and negatively affects their nervous system.
Can passive smoking harm pets?
Read more
5. Increase Your Fluid Intake
During the quitting process, try to drink more fluids if there are no contraindications. Water, herbal and fruit teas, and infusions, such as rosehip, can help flush toxins from the body, clear the bronchi, and reduce dry mouth. However! All carbonated drinks, cola, alcohol, and coffee can enhance the taste of cigarettes and trigger the urge to smoke. Replacing them with other beverages, such as tomato juice, water, herbal teas, and infusions, will aid in the quitting process and be beneficial for health.
6. Seek Support
If you find it difficult to quit smoking on your own, do not hesitate to seek help from a specialist. Their support, combined with treatment for tobacco dependence, will help you overcome this harmful habit!
