Deadly lung disease COPD quitting smoking can even save lives

COPD: Cigarette waiver minimizes risk of life-threatening lung disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the number three cause of death worldwide. In this country, up to five million people suffer from the incurable disease. On World No Tobacco Day health experts point out that the risk of life-threatening lung disease can be significantly reduced - by quitting smoking.

Up to five million Germans suffer from COPD

According to the German Respiratory League, three to five million people in Germany alone suffer from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). According to health experts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also commonly known as smoker's cough or smoker's lung, is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Although non-smokers are partially affected, 90 percent of all cases in this country are quite clearly the main cause: smoking. A cigarette waiver could minimize the risk of disease.

Almost one in two Germans suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most of them are or were smokers. Dispensing with cigarettes can significantly reduce the risk of illness. (Image: Knut Wiarda / fotolia.com)

Most of the patients were or are smokers

According to the Barmer health insurance almost every twentieth German suffers from COPD. Most of the patients were or are smokers. The toxic fumes of cigarettes and tobacco increase the disease.

Dr. Ursula Marschall, Chief Medical Officer of the Barmer, draws attention to the creeping danger on World No Tobacco Day on May 31:

"The lung disease COPD is insidious and in the worst case fatal. The biggest risk factor is smoking. A smoking cessation is difficult for many, but is highly recommended, "said the expert, according to a message.

Illness begins slowly

Many patients often do not know for a long time about their severe lung disease. It starts slowly.

"A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease begins with a seemingly innocuous cough, which over time becomes chronic and increasingly accompanied by expectoration and respiratory distress," explains the physician.

"This has consequences for the whole body. The disease also affects the metabolism, muscles and bones, as well as the cardiovascular system. " marshal.

So it works with the smoke stop

Unfortunately, giving up smoking is not easy for many.

For the exit from the addiction you need in any case a firm will.

Professionals recommend finding a stress-free time to stop. In case of problems with the partner or in the job, the waiver of cigarettes is more difficult.

It also makes sense to inform friends and relatives and, if necessary, ask them not to smoke in their presence.

In general, it is advised to stop completely, because each additional cigarette stimulates the addictive memory again.

Scientific research has also shown that cold withdrawal is the best way to stop smoking.

Although nicotine patches can facilitate the transition, they are not a permanent solution because they keep the ex-smoker physically dependent.

According to studies, e-cigarettes do not help smokers quit.

Nicotine addiction is quickly overcome

The Barmer offers the most vulnerable smokers a special online program (SQUIN: "Smoke, Quit, Win"), which should accompany them into a future without a cigarette.

Dr. Marshal encourages future non-smokers. "The physical dependence on nicotine is quickly overcome. After just a few days, the body has gotten used to a life without the drug. The rest is a matter of the head, "said the doctor.

Anyone who then presents a few potentially won years of life and the many saved money, will survive in the future delicate moments of temptation. (Ad)