It is possible to reduce the risk of developing COPD?
COPD is usually a progressive disease: lung function can be expected to worsen over time, even with the best available care. However, some strategies can be adopted in order to prevent COPD onset. In particular, smoking cessation is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk of developing COPD and slow its progression. It is also important to avoid passive smoking and smoking during pregnancy. In order to quit smoking, self help is the first step, but counselling by physicians may play also an important role. When self help and medical counselling are not enough to help quitting smoking, it is possible to use pharmacotherapy, always under proper medical control. Avoiding exposure to possible sources of noxious gases is the main prevention step to reduce other risk factors. Special attention should be paid to public announcements of air quality and, depending on the severity of single individual’s own disease, vigorous exercise outdoors should be avoided during pollution episode
