Smoking & COPD
Most (80%-90%) COPD cases are caused by smoking. If you are diagnosed with COPD, the very first thing you should do is quit smoking. Clinical studies have shown that people who quit smoking can significantly slow the loss of lung function. Also, quitting smoking has been shown to help people with COPD live longer.
Minutes after you quit smoking, your body starts to respond:
- 20 minutes after quitting: your heart rate drops.
- 24 hours after quitting: carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal. Carbon monoxide is a poison found in cigarette smoke.
- 2-12 weeks after quitting: your chance of heart attack decreases.
- 1 year after quitting: your excess risk of heart disease drops to half that of a smoker.
- 5-15 years after quitting: your stroke risk is that of a nonsmoker.
- 10 years after quitting: your risk of cancer is lower.
These tips can help you quit smoking. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50
ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is approved for adults with COPD, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. You should only take 1 inhalation of ADVAIR twice a day. Higher doses will not provide additional benefits. People with COPD taking ADVAIR may have a higher chance of pneumonia. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms: change in amount or color of sputum, fever, chills, increased cough, or increased breathing problems. ADVAIR may increase your risk of osteoporosis and some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma). You should have regular eye exams. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure before taking ADVAIR. Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. ADVAIR does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.