Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease New Terms For Old Diseases

COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is really a catch all phrase for diseases of the lungs and the respiratory tract. Many of the names which are now obsolete were formerly known as diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. For the most part, COPD is preventable by lifestyle changes, supplementation and environmental changes. While there will always be occurrences where none of the risk-factors can be evidenced, statistics show that prevention is possible in most cases.

Smoking is the number one risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Both tobacco use for the smoker as well as second-hand smoke for non-smokers have been the leading preventable cause. Statistics show that if a person begins smoking during adolescence and continues through adulthood, their life expectancy is reduced by as much as ten years. The same can be said regarding people who are continually exposed to second hand smoke. In fact, some researchers even go so far as to say that second-hand smoke is worse because it releases all the tar and carbon dioxide into the air and is not filtered as is the smoke the smoker is breathing in.

Currently world leaders are being urged to limit fossil fuel usage not only to combat the greenhouse effect, but to promote healthier respiratory systems in people on a global level. Great strides are being made to reduce the pathogens emitted into the environment.

At the present time there are electronic cigarettes available for smokers that are known to be a healthier alternative to smoking because there is no fire or smoke involved. Whether used as an adjunct to quitting or just a healthier alternative, they are becoming more popular by the day. Antioxidant supplements are also suggested to reduce the damage caused by toxins breathed in. The key point is that by living healthier, your chances are greater for living longer.