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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffUnlike some diseases, COPD has a clear cause and a clear path of prevention. The vast majority of cases are directly related to cigarette smoking, and the best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke — or to quit smoking.
If you're a longtime smoker, these simple statements may not seem so simple, especially if you've tried quitting — once, twice or many times before. But it's critical to find a tobacco-cessation program that can help you kick the habit for good. It's your best chance for preventing damage to your lungs.
Occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust is another risk factor for COPD. If you work with this type of lung irritant, talk to your supervisor about the best ways to protect yourself, such as wearing a mask.
- Standards for the diagnosis and management of patients with COPD. American Thoracic Society. http://www.thoracic.org/sections/copd/resources/copddoc.pdf. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Gigliotti F, et al. Breathing retraining and exercise conditioning in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A physiological approach. Respiratory Medicine. 2003;97:197.
- What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/what-is-copd/index.htm. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Pocket guide to COPD diagnosis, management and prevention. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. http://www.goldcopd.com/Guidelineitem.asp?l1=2&l2=1&intId=1116. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Sutherland ER, et al. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;350:2589.
- COPD Fact Sheet. American Lung Association. COPD Fact Sheet.http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.252866/k.A435/COPD_Fact_Sheet.htm. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Tiep BL, et al. Long-term supplemental oxygen therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
