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Are Cigarettes Making You Sick?

The percentage of people who smoke cigarettes has decreased every decade since the 1940s, thanks to a change in public perception. Many of you remember a time when cigarette brands advertised being “doctor recommended,” leading people to believe smoking was in their best interest. Today, all cigarettes produced in the United States come with a cancer warning.

In the last 40 years, the percentage of Americans who smoke has dropped by more than half from 32% to 12%. As much progress as we’ve made in warning people about the risks associated with smoking, many Americans still pay the price. One common health complication of cigarette smoking is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

COPD is an umbrella term referring to a group of diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult for patients. The two most common COPD conditions are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Common symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic cough, and frequent respiratory infections. If you or someone you know have any of these symptoms, we urge you to speak with your doctor.

Cigarette smoking is the cause of nine out of ten cases of COPD. Therefore, we can definitively say that the best way to avoid COPD is to avoid smoking. Unfortunately, for many, smoking cigarettes is a habit that is very hard to shake. Nicotine has been proven to be as addictive as drugs like cocaine or heroin, which is why so many people struggle to quit even when they know the risks.

Smoking cessation programs are a great way to get the support you need to quit smoking for good. Speak with your doctor or insurance company to determine your eligibility for such a program. Here are some important tips to help you quit smoking:

• avoid the things that trigger you to smoke,

• try nicotine products like gums or patches,

• develop new, healthier habits like exercise or meditation.

Unfortunately, you can’t go back and undo years of cigarette smoking, but you can start today before COPD keeps you from living the life you love.

Adrienne Freeland is a freelance writer who specializes in helping business owners communicate more clearly. Using skills developed in her former career as a professional fundraiser, Adrienne collaborates with her clients to craft engaging, targeted content.