Public Health England (PHE) said many smokers are still unaware of the health risks related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The UK's health agency reminds smokers that smoker's cough could be an early symptom of a much serious disease.
In England, over one million people are suffering from COPD, a term used to describe severe lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms include persistent coughing, recurring chest infections and breathlessness during physical activities.
Nine out of 10 COPD cases are traced to smoking. COPD is a pulmonary disease that causes airways to narrow and destroys lung tissue, making simple tasks such as climbing the stairs more difficult.
No Cure For COPD
Health experts said many people disregard COPD's early symptoms by thinking it is just smoker's cough. Experts warn that continuous smoking can aggravate the condition and damage life quality in the long run.
To date, COPD has no known cure. However, people suffering from the disease are highly advised to stop smoking and engage in a tailor-fit exercise regimen. Patients are also prescribed with medication aimed at slowing the disease's progress.
COPD Awareness Campaign
PHE launched a short film featuring Iwan Thomas, a former Olympic athlete. Thomas' mother recently received a COPD diagnosis. The short film showed Thomas conducting an experiment among smoking participants to see COPD's life-changing ill effect.
"I've never fully understood COPD or the everyday consequences, but when the simple things like climbing the stairs, making a cup of tea or walking to the bus stop become impossible, it is serious," said Thomas.
Thomas' mother spent many year smoking but decided that 2016 will be the year she will quit the habit. Inspired by his mother, Thomas encourages smokers to do the same.
COPD By The Numbers
Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK's chief medical officer, highlighted the severity of COPD despite not being well known. Davis said the disease claims 25,000 lives every year wherein 90 percent of deaths are associated with smoking.
"COPD can also be a severely debilitating disease, dramatically affecting people's breathing and leading to years of suffering," said Davies, stressing that quitting is the best solution to lower the risk of developing COPD.
In England, more than 113,000 accident and emergency admissions in 2013 and 2014 are linked to COPD. PHE's Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco Director Rosanna O'Connor said people make it their New Year resolution to change unhealthy habits. She stressed that quitting the smoke will not only improve an individual's health but also protect surrounding family and friends.
Photo: Nicoletta Ciunci | Flickr
