Smoking cessation

While not the only risk factor for the development of COPD, cigarette smoking is far and away the most important risk factor.^1-3 Between 80 and 90% of US patients with COPD are current or former smokers.⁴ In addition, passive smoke exposure may contribute to the development of COPD in the 10-20% of non-smokers who develop COPD.⁵ Other factors clearly play a role. There is, moreover, marked individual susceptibility to the effects of cigarette smoke. The 10-15% of smokers who are most susceptible were traditionally regarded as those who developed COPD.¹ It is clear, however, that on average most smokers will show evidence of lung damage and physiologic compromise.⁶ While often undiagnosed, these patients have increased mortality⁷ and may be more symptomatic than traditionally believed. Eliminating cigarette smoking, therefore, is the most important intervention for the prevention of COPD and for the slowing of its progression.