What Is The Role Of Nicotine Addiction In COPD Management?

 

COPD is a chronic progressive disorder that is characterized by breathing difficulties that tend to become worse over a period of time. Initially, patients may experience occasional episodes of dyspnea.

However,as the disease progresses, the episodes tend to occur more frequently. Also, it can make it increasingly difficult for patients to perform physical activities. In advanced cases, patients may experience dyspnea after walking a few steps or even at rest.

The progress of these symptoms can be slowed down by identifying and eliminating the risk factors for COPD.

Cigarette smoking is the most common contributor to the development of COPD and asthma. It can not just trigger the development of these diseases but also accelerate their progress thereby increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality significantly.

Hence, the treatment of COPD must be focused on nicotine de-addiction. It should be noted that the use of medications - oral, intravenous, or inhalers - and other treatments may fail to provide the expected improvement in the patient's health if the patients continue to smoke. Both active and passive smoking must be avoided by patients to prevent theprogressive worsening of breathing difficulties.

Hence, there is a need for physicians to include nicotine de-addiction in the treatment of patients with COPD.

The aim of the therapy should be to help patients understand the need to stop smoking and provide support to relieve emotional and physical symptoms that may occur during the phase of withdrawal.

Nicotine de-addiction may include one or a combination of different therapies such as the use of nicotine patches, counseling, family counseling, group therapy, and joining support groups.

It is not uncommon for physicians to encounter obstacles during the course of nicotine deaddiction treatment.  In some cases, patients may begin to start smoking again due to factors such as mental stress, peer pressure, or inability to control the urge.

Hence, the treatment should also be focused on preventing relapse by identifying triggers that can compel the patient to start smoking again. And this is a major challenge physicians must address to help patients recover.

Now, you have an opportunity to learn more about the role of nicotine deaddiction in the management of asthma and COPD. You can join “ASTHMA AND COPD RESPIRATORY WEBINAR” on 9th October 2020 between 8 am to 1 pm to learn the more effective methods to help patients quit smoking.

Our panels of expert physicians will discuss with you the recommended treatments to support nicotine deaddiction with an aim to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.

We will also discuss the disparities in the care of asthma patients and the management of COPD in ICU settings. You will learn how to transition the respiratory patients to the home settings in view of training the patient and family members regarding maintaining general health, and the management of emergencies.

You can ask questions and interact with our expert physicians to clear your concerns. You can also share the difficulties you have faced in managing these disorders. The discussion will help you provide optimum care to COPD patients. 

Join the webinar to keep yourself updated about the best treatment and prevention strategies for COPD to help your patients avoid breathing difficulties and other life-threatening complications related to these diseases.