Smoking cessation

Smoking cessation is both difficult and important. It slows but does not halt the progression of airway inflammation. Simultaneous use of multiple strategies is most effective including establishment of a quit date, behaviour modification techniques, group sessions, nicotine replacements, varenicline or bupropion.

Figure 1: The effect of smoking cessation on lung function (FEV₁) ¹
Reprinted with permission of the American Thoracic Society. Scanlon PD, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2000;161:381-390. Official Journal of the American Thoracic Society. Copyright © American Thoracic Society.

1. Scanlon PD, Connett JE, Waller LA, et al. Smoking cessation and lung function in mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Lung Health Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2000;161:381-390.