$Unique_ID{BRK01931} $Pretitle{} $Title{COPD: Quit Smoking or Else...} $Subject{COPD smoke Smoking cigarette cigarettes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease diseases bronchitis emphysema die died dead death deaths tissue tissues bronchi lung lungs irritate irritated irritation irritations inflame inflamed mucous cough coughing cell cells transfer transferring oxygen hemoglobin red blood respiratory infect infection infections damage damaged damaging heart progressive treat treatment treatments x-ray x-rays function functions test tests testing inspire medicate medication medications bronchodilator bronchodilators therapy therapies vaccinate vaccination vaccinations} $Volume{} $Log{ Anatomy of the Bronchial Tree*0005902.scf Lobar and Viral Pneumonia*0015402.scf Pneumonia Infected Lung*0015401.scf The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. COPD: Quit Smoking or Else... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My brother still smokes, despite all we have tried to do for him. He claims he is hooked and after 20 years of smoking cigarettes regularly, can't do anything about it. That is until now, when his doctor says he has "COPD". Can you tell us what this means, and if his smoking has anything to do with it? Can he still overcome this if he stops smoking now? Try to tell us as much as you can, we need your answer to help him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: The letters "COPD" stand for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and is not a diagnosis to be taken lightly. Although there were many obstructive lung diseases formerly included in this classification such as asthma, asthmatic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and others, today the term is used to refer to two major lung conditions, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both are linked by a common cause, cigarette smoking, and both may occur simultaneously in the same patient. The statistics for COPD are increasingly poor, with more and more deaths being attributed to it. In 1976, 44,000 deaths were caused by COPD, increasing to 61,000 in 1982 and reaching 72,000 by 1986. And cigarette smoking has been the major culprit in 82 percent of the deaths linked to COPD. So the answer to one of your concerns is a big, resounding "Yes". Let's look at the two diseases and see what has happened to the lungs. In chronic bronchitis the tissue lining the bronchi (tubes that carry air to the lungs) become irritated and inflamed, presumably from the smoke, and secrete more than normal amounts of mucous. These secretions clog the airways and are a principle cause of the coughing that marks bronchitis. In emphysema, the cells forming the walls in the airspaces within the lung are destroyed, resulting in the permanent enlargement of these spaces, and reducing the ability to transfer the oxygen from the air to the hemoglobin in the red cells circulating in the blood. These changes make the lungs more susceptible to recurring respiratory infections, which in turn provoke even more damage to the tissues. As the lungs suffer this additional injury, less oxygen is available to the body tissues and to the heart, and complications continue to increase. That's what makes the disease both chronic and progressive. And that in turn translates to the need to start treatment now, at the earliest possible moment, so that the extent of the damage and the speed with which it progresses can both be diminished. And there is a lot that can be accomplished, if your brother will only cooperate. In addition to a complete history and physical, chest x-rays and a number of very important pulmonary function tests will be performed. They tell just how much damage has already been done by testing the amount of air the lungs can draw in (inspire) in a single breath, for that is limited when obstruction is present. The effectiveness of certain medications called "bronchodilators" can also be evaluated during these tests. These are called "baseline" tests and will be repeated throughout the years to measure the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of the therapy and treatments. Most important of all the considerations in the fight against COPD is the need to stop smoking. The commitment is a "must", for continuing the tissue irritation caused by smoke can erase all the benefit that medications may provide. Bronchodilators can be useful in keeping the airways open, and vaccinations against both flu and pneumonia will help to reduce the possibility of more infections. It is a long road to travel and the help and support of the whole family can play an important role. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.