Nicotine Education During COPD Awareness Month – Africa Harm Reduction Alliance

World COPD Day is an annual event held on the third Wednesday of November. It’s an initiative organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with healthcare professionals and organizations worldwide.

COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and breathing difficulties. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD – the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke cause inflammation in the airways and damage to the lungs, leading to conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which fall under the COPD umbrella.

Quitting smoking is crucial for managing COPD. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like patches, gums, and medications can assist in easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings during the quitting process. However, it’s essential to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support when trying to quit smoking, especially for individuals with COPD.

Nicotine Education during COPD Awareness Month

In the context of COPD, tobacco harm reduction can be a critical aspect of managing the condition. Since smoking is the primary cause of COPD, reducing or eliminating exposure to harmful substances in tobacco smoke is paramount in preventing the progression of the disease and improving lung health.

Products like nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers, vapes, and nicotine pouches are designed to provide controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful effects of smoke. These aids can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting individuals trying to quit smoking.

A recent study suggests that E-cigarette use may aid smokers with COPD, reduce their cigarette consumption or remain abstinent, which results in marked improvements in annual exacerbation rate as well as subjective and objective COPD outcomes. “Emerging clinical evidence suggests that e-cigarette use in patients with COPD can help patients with COPD abstain from long-term smoking with clinically relevant health gains.” Said Dr. Ricardo Polosa, a respiratory health physician and researcher.

It is important to note that continued smoking with COPD can worsen symptoms, accelerate lung function decline, and increase the risk of complications and mortality. Therefore, managing COPD often involves a comprehensive approach that includes smoking cessation, medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes to improve the quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.

Author: Joseph Magero