November 17, 2016.
Tobacco does not only cause cancer, it is also 80% responsible for COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But what is it all about?
17,000 deaths in France each year
On the occasion of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, which was held on Wednesday, November 16, a group of associations launched the website live a new breath to know better this disease which kills 17,000 people in France each year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is ” life-threatening lung disease that interferes with normal breathing “. It is an unfortunately incurable disease, but its treatment can slow the progression of symptoms.. Its main cause: inhalation of tobacco smoke. 3.5 million French people are currently affected by this disease.
Identify the symptoms
COPD appears around the age of 45 in smokers, it is the 5th leading cause of death in the world. If it is not taken care of early enough, COPD can lead to a deterioration in the quality of life, so it is important to know how to identify its symptoms: shortness of breath (or the feeling of needing air), abnormal sputum, and chronic cough.
Tobacco is not the only cause. Air pollution, dust and chemicals in the workplace and frequent infections of the lower respiratory tract during childhood are also risk factors. What is certain is that by stopping smoking, you significantly reduce your risk of catching this disease one day.. In addition, doing sports regularly will do your lungs a lot of good.
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