Not all COPD patients are smokers, but for those who are, simply quitting smoking is the most important first step.
I overheard the EMS radio calling in to the emergency department and could immediately hear the urgency in the voice of the paramedic about a patient being brought in.
The paramedics had put Betsy on their cardiac monitor and were giving her breathing treatments through a mask over her mouth and nose. They had put an IV in her arm. They said they had taken care of Betsy previously and knew she had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from a long history of smoking. Unfortunately, Betsy had frequent episodes of respiratory distress that were occurring with increasing frequency in recent months.
It is estimated that 16 million American’s are affected by COPD, and there are many more who have not been officially diagnosed. In the U.S., tobacco smoke is a primary cause for the development and progression of COPD. Other factors, such as exposure to air pollutants, respiratory infections and genetic factors, can contribute to developing COPD.