Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease smoking cessation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a respiratory condition characterized by irreversible airway obstruction caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The major symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, increased sputum production, and dyspnea. The vast majority of patients with COPD are those who are current or former heavy smokers. Other risk factors for the development of COPD include occupational exposure (dusts, chemicals) and rare genetic disorders (a -antitrypsin deficiency). The medical management of COPD includes pharmacotherapy (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics) in combination with interventions to reduce risk factors for disease progression (e.g., smoking cessation). Some patients require long-term administration of supplemental oxygen. 

Schapira RM, Reinke LF. The outpatient diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Pharmacotherapy, administration of supplemental oxygen, and smoking cessation techniques. J Gen Intern Med 1995 10 40-55. 

Selected simple, cost-effective measures, the implementation of which should decrease the incidence of NP in susceptible persons, are summarized in Table 1 (1,2,74,75). It is recommended that pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations be offered to all persons 65 years of age or older or those with chronic underlying disease. Optimizing health care maintenance strategies may decrease the need for hospital admission. Smoking cessation should be encouraged in all patients and particularly in those in whom elective surgery is planned. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may benefit from incentive spirometry, positive end-expiratory pressure, or continuous positive airway pressure by face mask (1,2,74,75). 

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