Changjiang Daily, Wuhan Client, May 30th (Reporter Wang Kaining, Correspondent Tian Juan) May 31st is the 35th “World No Tobacco Day”. How important is smoking cessation for all? Professor Liu Huiguo, Honorary Chairman of the Respiratory Branch of Hubei Medical Association and Chief Physician of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Tongji Hospital, pointed out that more than 80% of COPD patients have a history of smoking, and smoking cessation is an important measure to prevent COPD.
20-year-old smoker “blows” and found COPD
Because of frequent chest tightness, shortness of breath, and feeling breathless even climbing stairs, 40 years old Mr. Chen thought it was a heart problem, but when he went to Tongji Hospital’s Cardiology Department to do an electrocardiogram, he found that there was no problem with the heart. Knowing that he has a smoking history of nearly 20 years, he often has intermittent coughs and a small amount of sputum in the morning. The doctor advised him to transfer to the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine to have his lung function checked.
After monitoring by “breathing”, the doctor found that Mr. Chen’s airway continued to be restricted in airflow, and the forced expiratory volume in the first second was between 60% and 70% of the predicted value, which was already moderate lung function. He was clinically diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, referred to as “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable respiratory disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Airflow limitation is not fully reversible, develops progressively, and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs to noxious gases or particles such as cigarette smoke.
“The lungs have large airways and small airways.” Professor Liu Huiguo explained that the lesions of COPD are mainly in the small airways, and small airway lesions are the main cause of airflow limitation. The normal small airway is largely maintained by the elastic recoil of the lung tissue to maintain its open state. Due to the destruction of the alveolar walls in patients with COPD, the traction and support of the small airways is lost, leading to the collapse of the bronchioles, increasing the airflow resistance, and at the same time exacerbating the over-inflation of the lungs, resulting in emphysema.
Long-term smokers over the age of 40 should regularly check their lung function
“There are about 300 million smokers in my country, and there are more than 100 million COPD patients. A set of data presented by Professor Liu Huiguo shows that 80% to 90% of patients smoke or have ever smoked.
For a patient like Mr. Chen who has been diagnosed with COPD, Liu Huiguo gave advice: COPD cannot be cured, but standardized treatment can effectively prevent further deterioration of the condition.
“If patients with COPD are not treated in a standardized way, the long-term prognosis will be poor, and the 5-year mortality rate of critically ill patients is about 50%.” Liu Huiguo reminded Mr. Chen that he must obey the doctor’s advice and insist on regular and long-term medication . Some drugs, especially inhaled hormones and bronchodilators, are long-acting drugs or have a slow onset of action. During the initial treatment, patients often do not feel the relief of symptoms and easily lose confidence in treatment. At this time, they should insist on treatment. , be prepared to fight a protracted war.
Liu Huiguo (left) is checking the image of the patient’s lungs.
Liu Huiguo said that early diagnosis is very important for COPD patients. The early symptoms of COPD are mainly cough and sputum. Many people take it seriously and do not realize the seriousness of the disease. “Pulmonary function testing is an effective method. Regular checkups are recommended for long-term smokers over 40 years old and those with chronic respiratory symptoms.”
Smoking cessation is the most important measure to prevent COPD
Regarding the prevention of COPD, Liu Huiguo succinctly said: “Smoking cessation is the most important and easiest measure to prevent COPD. Smoking cessation at any stage of the disease is beneficial to Prevention and treatment of the occurrence and development of diseases.”
“I have always wanted to quit smoking, and I have quit smoking many times, but I have not quit.” After listening to Liu Huiguo’s advice, Mr. Chen made up his mind to quit smoking. But quitting smoking is too difficult for an old smoker like him.
“Smoking cessation methods are the key to success in quitting smoking.” According to Professor Liu Huiguo, the commonly used methods of smoking cessation in the world include a combination of behavioral intervention and drug treatment. He suggested that it is best to go to the smoking cessation clinic for consultation and formulate a scientific and personalized plan. In addition, the encouragement and support of family members are also the help for successful smoking cessation.
A reporter from Changjiang Daily learned that according to the requirements of the National Health Commission, Wuhan is a pilot city for establishing smoking cessation clinics nationwide. Currently, Wuhan Tongji Hospital, Wuhan University People’s Hospital, Zhongnan Hospital, and Wuhan First Hospital , Wuhan Central Hospital, etc. all have smoking cessation clinics.
[Editor: Yu Lina]
[Source: Changjiang Daily – Changjiang Net]