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- Prescribing Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION - For Healthcare
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COPD Causes
In the United States, the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is cigarette smoking.
Other risks include:
- Pipe, cigar, and other tobacco smoking
- Passive exposure to cigarette smoke
- Inhaling large amounts of dust or chemicals at work or at home
- A rare genetic condition called Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Quitting smoking is hard, but worth it
You already know — and you're probably tired of hearing — that quitting smoking is the only thing you can do to slow the progress of COPD. But if it were that simple, millions of smokers with breathing problems surely would have quit by now. The fact is, cigarettes are highly addictive, and quitting is both a physical and a behavioral challenge.
Most smokers try to quit 6 to 9 times in their lifetime. Try rethinking the way you may have tried quitting in the past. Studies show that you can increase your chances of quitting by combining treatment and support.
Talk to your doctor about the programs and products available to help you quit, including nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines.
Health benefits of quitting smoking
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SHORT TERM
LONG TERM
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- 20 minutes after quitting
Your heart rate drops. - 12 hours later
The carbon monoxide level in your blood (increased by smoking) tends to drop to normal. - After 2 weeks to 3 months
Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lung function begins to improve. - 1 to 9 months after quitting
Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
- 20 minutes after quitting
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- After 1 year
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. - 5 to 15 years after quitting
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker. - At 10 years
The lung cancer death rate is reduced to about half that of a smoker. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases. - At 15 years
Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker.
- After 1 year
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If you have a friend or a loved one who's having breathing difficulties, you may want to share this information with them so they can learn more about COPD.
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Accept a helping hand
Ask a friend or family member to keep you busy with activities while you're trying to quit smoking. Learn how family, friends, and community can help >
