Although smoking does not guarantee the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it does raise the risk dramatically. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, smoking is to blame for 85–90% of all COPD cases. If you are a smoker and have been diagnosed with COPD, kicking the habit will slow the progression of the disease and maintain your current lung function. Below, the heart and lung health experts at Connecticut’s Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center discuss the effects of COPD and why it’s never too late to quit smoking.

What Is COPD?

COPD is a progressive and incurable lung disease that can inhibit your ability to breathe properly. Common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, excess mucus, and chronic cough. Because early signs and symptoms of COPD are often dismissed as aging or smoker’s cough, visiting a heart and lung health physician is essential—especially if your lungs seem to have weakened in recent months.

Why Quit?

Because COPD is incurable, smokers diagnosed with the condition often believe there is no reason to quit. After all, what difference will it make now? The truth is, quitting smoking is extremely beneficial, regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with COPD. In fact, quitting smoking is considered the best possible treatment for COPD patients. Not only will it help maintain your current lung function, but it will also prevent COPD flare-ups, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.

When it comes to COPD treatment, Connecticut residents turn to the heart and lung health professionals at Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center. With a 20-bed heart and lung health center, they provide expert care and treatments to patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including asthma and COPD. Private rooms are available upon request. Contact their rehab center online or call (203) 879-8066 to speak with a health center representative.