Posted on 10/17/2006 1:09:34 PM PDT by trumandogz
TUESDAY, Oct. 17 (HealthDay News) -- A new study finds that at least 1 in every 4 smokers will develop progressive and incurable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a much higher risk than previously believed.
COPD is a respiratory disease that results in blocked air flow to the lungs and grows progressively worse.
For this study, published online in the journal Thorax, researchers at Hvidovre Hospital analyzed data on 8,000 men and women, ages 30 to 60. All were monitored for 25 years as part of the Copenhagen City Heart Study.
At the start of the study, all the participants' lungs were healthy and working normally. However, over the course of the 25 years, the lungs of almost all the male non-smokers continued to function normally, compared to 60 percent of men who continued to smoke.
Among women, 90 percent of non-smokers still had healthy lungs at the end of 25 years, compared to 70 percent of smokers.
Overall, 25 percent of the participants developed moderate or severe COPD over the 25 years. Persistent smokers were six times more likely to develop COPD than non-smokers.
During the 25 years, there were 2,900 deaths in the study group. Of those deaths, 109 were directly attributable to COPD, and nearly all those deaths were in people who were active smokers at the start of the study. Only two non-smokers died of COPD.
The study also found a sharp decline in the risk of COPD among people who stopped smoking soon after the start of the study. Over the 25 years, none of these ex-smokers developed severe COPD.
Frankly, I find it amazing that only 25% of the people who smoke for 25years get COPD.
I wonder why?
During the 25 years, there were 2,900 deaths in the study group. Of those deaths, 109 were directly attributable to COPD, and nearly all those deaths were in people who were active smokers at the start of the study. Only two non-smokers died of COPD.
I'd say a lot less then 25% died of COPD..
I am by no means a smoking advocate and hate it, frankly, but I gotta call misleading phrases when I see them. Look at this from the article:
"The study also found a sharp decline in the risk of COPD among people who stopped smoking soon after the start of the study. Over the 25 years, none of these ex-smokers developed severe COPD."
The key word is "severe", towards the end. So some of them DID develope "non-severe" COPD?
I want to know what percentage of the smokers develeped SEVERE COPD, vs non-severe, which doesn't seem to be worth mentioning in the "ex-smokers".
You don't even have to go that far back. I listen to old radio shows streamed online. They also play the commercials. The cigarette commercials from the 40s and 50s often mention health benefits of a particular brand over another. It's just weird.
I learned yesterday that my stepfather, who has been struggling w/lung cancer (lifelong Camels smoker), probably only has a few months left. The doctor told my mother about hospices, so I think that about seals it. For years I begged the two of them to stop smoking, but I was teased as being a health freak and afraid of a 'little smoke.'
True, my friend. I just choose to die without the effects of smoking eating my insides apart.
I just examined a smoker's lung in Anatomy this week. Very yucky, full of dark plaques, very hard to the touch compared to a healthy lung. Smoking is not good for anyone.
The risk is the same each time but cumulative for repetition.
Same thing for smokers; one cigarette/day is nothing compared to 2-3 packs/day.
Smoked lung simply does not have the same appeal as smoked salmon or smoked brisket.
What do we do about all those fatties who refuse to put down the fork and step away from the table?
"SMOKE UP!!!"
Sorry, gave it up. I heard tell it was bad for me.
Smoking is SOOOO COOOL!!! (Sarcasm off...)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a terminal disease. There is no cure. Lung tissue is destroyed which causes the gas exchange that takes place in the lungs to become impaired causing oxygen shortages to major organs such as the heart and brain.
The sufferer, over a period of years, will become disabled. Physical things that they could do before the last lung infection are now impossible. Everyday activities like bathing, dressing, using the toilet become impossible without supplemental oxygen and assistance from a caregiver. Lung infections and hospitalizations become routine. Many people who have COPD develop lung cancer.
Many have undergone Lung Volume Reduction surgery where the dead parts of the lung are cut away to make room in the chest for the lungs to move.
Lung transplantation has a survival rate of ~5 years.
In the end stages of the disease the sufferer is tethered to an oxygen tank and in most cases, a wheel chair. Death is usually from suffocation, although one can hope that a heart attack will take one sooner. It takes a long time to die from COPD.
The medicines used to treat the symptoms have severe side effects.
COPD is caused by smoking. It is a horrific disease and sadly, it is preventable. If you smoke, get your lungs checked. You may be in the "at risk" stage and still able to prevent years of suffering.
More information may be found at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/meetings/workshops/copd_clinical.htm
that's why I quit jumping from planes and helicopters.
"Nice Vocabulary."
At least he's not a liar.
You don't smoke? Good for you. Now stop making crap up about those who do.
Where did I lie?
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