Smoking Cessation

Smoking cessation is an important component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management.^1,2 Smoking cessation has been shown to be the most effective way to slow the progression of COPD and reduce mortality among those who continue to smoke (which comprises ~50% of the COPD population).³ Several tools are available to assist patients in quitting various types of tobacco products, which may include  cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices.^2,3 They may consist of behavior interventions and/or pharmacotherapy, or a combination of both, which has shown to be more effective than either intervention alone.³ Recidivism rates can be high, with up to 85% still smoking after one year.^3,4 Second-line strategies for reducing harmful effects of COPD on progression can include a reduction in the amount of smoked cigarettes.⁴ Asking about tobacco use at every visit and assessing patient willingness to quit are vital clinical interventions in the pathway to smoking cessation.⁵ Please visit the additional resources page for more tools to help your patients quit smoking.