Respiratory Care Settings and Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation Improves Lung Health
Smoking cessation is one of the most important actions people who smoke can take to improve their health and reduce their risk for COPD. This is true for all people who smoke, regardless of age or smoking duration and intensity. The health benefits also extend to patients already diagnosed with COPD.
The respiratory benefits of smoking cessation include:
- Reduces the risk of developing COPD.
- Among those with COPD, slows the progression of COPD and reduces the loss of lung function over time.
- Reduces risk of cancers in the respiratory system.
- Reduces respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, sputum production, wheezing).
- Reduces respiratory infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia).
- Research suggests cessation may improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and improve treatment outcomes among persons with asthma.
Resources for Respiratory Care Teams
- CDC resources available at cdc.gov/TobaccoHCP:
- Million Hearts Resources:
- Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, Clinical Practice Guideline: 2008 Update
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Tobacco Smoking Cessation in Adults, Including Pregnant Women: Behavioral and Pharmacotherapy Interventions