Note: Obese is based on body mass index BMI for persons whose height and weight was measured and imputed. In —18, For these respondents, imputation was used to obtain BMI. Source: ABS a Data table. Tobacco smoking is one of the leading behavioural risk factors for death from all causes and contributes significantly to deaths from a range of chronic conditions including CVD, COPD, and lung cancer AIHW While the damage from past smoking is not fully reversible, the rate of progression of COPD can be reduced through smoking cessation Laniado-Laborin Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of exacerbations and mortality in patients with COPD Anthonisen et al.
General Practitioners play an important role in encouraging and supporting people to quit smoking, especially when they have health problems caused or exacerbated by smoking, which are more common with age Royal Australian College of General Practice In Australia, smoking rates have been falling amongst males since the s s in women Greenhalgh et al.
One of the main features of COPD is shortness of breath on exertion. As the condition progresses, shortness of breath can worsen and even minor physical activities, such as dressing or showering can become very difficult. People with COPD therefore are often unable to exercise as much as those without COPD, or they may limit their physical activity to avoid becoming short of breath.
However, low physical activity in turn leads to lack of cardiovascular fitness, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and obesity, each of which may further worsen shortness of breath AIHW Exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of management of COPD, as it improves quality of life and exercise capacity and reduces hospitalisations Alison et al.
It is a system of care that includes education, exercise training and psychosocial support delivered by an interdisciplinary team of therapists Alison et al. Pulmonary rehabilitation reduces symptoms, disability and handicap, reduces hospitalisation and improves physical and emotional function.
It can help people achieve and maintain an optimal level of independence and functioning in the community Alison et al.
For more information regarding pulmonary rehabilitation, refer to Monitoring pulmonary rehabilitation and long-term oxygen therapy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. Several studies have shown strong associations between overweight and obesity, as measured by body mass index BMI , and increased prevalence of COPD Fuller-Thoson et al. This is not surprising, as the prevalence of both COPD and obesity increase with increasing age.
However, obesity is a risk factor for dyspnoea or shortness of breath , which may contribute to symptoms of COPD and may also reduce lung function AIHW For patients who already have COPD, many studies have shown that mild obesity appears to be protective from risk of death, unlike many other chronic diseases in which increased body weight is associated with worse outcomes Hanson et al. Being underweight or average weight is associated with increased risk of dying for people with COPD Hanson et al.
This may be due to systemic inflammation associated with COPD, leading to muscle wasting van der Molen Reduced micronutrient intake may also contribute to increased risk Hanson et al. Note: Based on body mass index BMI for persons whose height and weight was measured and imputed. The difference in obesity between the two age groups was not statistically significant Figure 5. Note: Overweight and obese are based on body mass index BMI for persons whose height and weight was measured and imputed.
This analysis is based on data only for people aged 45 and over. When interpreting self-reported data, it is important to recognise that it relies on respondents providing accurate information. It is not possible to attribute cause and effect to self-reported risk factors and measured and COPD. Type 2 Diabetes. Surgical Services. Home Care. Support Groups.
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Section Menu. Other risk factors for COPD include: Exposure to air pollution Breathing secondhand smoke Working with chemicals, dust and fumes A genetic condition called Alpha-1 deficiency A history of childhood respiratory infection.
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing a smoker can do to live a longer and healthier life. The American Lung Association has many programs to help you quit for good.
If you don't smoke, don't start. Alphaantitrypsin is a substance that protects your lungs. Without it, the lungs are more vulnerable to damage. People who have an alphaantitrypsin deficiency usually develop COPD at a younger age — particularly if they smoke. The British Lung Foundation has more information about alphaantitrypsin deficiency. Page last reviewed: 20 September Next review due: 20 September
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