If you have COPD, the single most important thing you can do to help yourself is to stop smoking. Stopping smoking will help slow the progress of COPD. You will also find it easier to breathe if you avoid environments where are you exposed to tobacco smoke, and you will also reduce your chances of getting an exacerbation.
Most medical professionals are likely to tell you that stopping smoking is not an easy process. Don't be frustrated if at first you don't succeed. Remember that 80% of people who quit permanently have made at least three serious attempts to quit smoking.
Talk to your doctor, nurse or call the Asthma Society of Canada to find more information on how to stop smoking.
Sometimes doctors can refer you to a smoking cessation clinic, where you will be given extra support in stopping smoking. If appropriate, they may also be able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapies or other medication.
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