From cough to COPD: Recognizing the warning signs of lung damage and ways to deal with tobacco addiction

It is a known fact that tobacco consumption has a bad effect on the lungs of a person, as tobacco is consumed in various forms like cigarettes, cigars, vapes, bidis and hookah, which causes severe damage to the lungs and increases the risk of developing lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs the flow of air through the lungs and causes breathing problems.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Prahlad Prabhudesai, Chest Physician at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, explained, “COPD is caused by tobacco consumption which contains various toxins such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide, harmful chemicals such as benzene, arsenic and formaldehyde, and radioactive substances, which can further damage the lungs and airways. Chewing tobacco can also adversely affect your oral health, resulting in esophageal, pancreatic and stomach-related diseases.”

Smoking and lung problems:

Dr. Prahlad Prabhudesai explains, “A big misconception is that nicotine is the main cause of damaged lungs, but in reality, it is the tar that is a real threat to your lungs. Smoking causes changes in the respiratory tract, where secretions that are normally thin become thicker which leads to repeated damage to the cilia. Cilia protect your body from getting infected and remove dust particles from the lungs, and when repeatedly damaged, can cause bronchitis. Bronchitis occurs when the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs become inflamed and swollen. Excessive smoking causes irreversible damage to the alveoli (tiny air sacs that control basic respiratory functions) and once damaged, there is no way for them to grow back naturally.”

Recognizing the Early Symptoms of COPD

1. a persistent cough that lasts more than a few weeks or months
2. Difficulty breathing, especially after intense physical activities such as running or climbing stairs
3. A feeling of tightness or sharp pain in the chest as if someone is pressing or squeezing your chest
4. Individuals may experience excessive sweating, regardless of the weather or surroundings
5. Frequent respiratory infections such as the common cold, sinusitis, epiglottitis, bronchitis, and tonsillitis
6. Often waking up with a severe headache in the morning
7. Loss of appetite or desire to eat, resulting in a decline in health
8. unintentional weight loss
9. Feeling tired easily and having low energy

Tips to avoid or quit smoking and the impact of COPD

1. Desire for change: Having the desire to quit smoking is half the battle won. Quitting smoking is the only effective way to reduce the impact of lung diseases and COPD. Quitting smoking early can help reverse or significantly reduce the maximum damage caused by smoking on your lungs and overall health.
2. Spreading awareness: It is important to make people aware and explain how smoking can adversely affect their lungs and cause COPD.
3. Medicinal drugs: Individuals are advised to consult their doctor and discuss their concerns about starting medicinal medications for a speedy recovery. It is important to note that these medications cannot be purchased without a prescription.
4. Delay your cravings: The urge to take that last puff of a cigarette may tempt you and break your resolve. So, even if you know that these urges are irresistible and you will give in, stay calm and try to avoid it for at least 5 to 10 minutes. To distract yourself during a sudden craving, you can listen to some exciting music, play a mobile game, try to solve a puzzle or exercise.
5. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): It is considered one of the most effective and promising options for quitting smoking. During NRT, the nicotine found in cigarettes (which can be highly addictive) is often replaced with low-dose nicotine in the form of chewing gum, inhalers, adhesive patches or lozenges.

Habits like smoking or passive smoking are harmful to health. Quitting smoking and improving the quality of life is the need of the hour.