Can smoking worsen the symptoms of COPD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been coughing for about six months now, and my doctor recently mentioned that I have COPD. He is telling me I need to stop my smoking habit immediately, but that is easier said than done. I have been smoking since my teenage years, and now I am 53. On top of that, my blood pressure is through the roof. I have tried quitting this habit before, but I just could not seem to get rid of it. The entire situation is freaking me out. I want to know if my lungs are bad. Is COPD going to ruin them completely? This cough feels like a real burden. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

According to your statement, you have been suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or chronic obstructive lung disease.

Without quitting smoking, your symptoms of COPD will become worse day by day. Cigarette smoking or exposure to smoking is the main cause of developing COPD.

COPD is an irreversible condition that will cause harmful effects to the airways, and your lungs will become damaged permanently if you do not quit smoking.

Stopping smoking is the first treatment protocol for COPD patients who are still smoking. If you want to quit smoking with medications, then some medications can help you quit smoking, like nicotine patch, varenicline or Champix, bupropion or Zyban, etc. You can choose any one of these medications, but you should know that every medication has its own side effects.

COPD can eventually cause heart failure, which is known as cor pulmonale, and many other diseases as the body's immune system becomes compromised.

So, quitting the smoking habit and taking regular medications according to your physician will help to prevent your lungs from further damage and the chance of developing other diseases like heart failure.

Hope I have answered your questions.

Please respond if you have any further questions.

Thank you.