Every four and a half minutes, an American dies from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.) It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is a serious lung disease. There are 12 million people diagnosed with it and an equal number of other people may have COPD and not be aware of it. The tubes that allow the air to get in and out of the lungs get partially blocked causing the person with COPD to feel short of breath making it difficult to breathe. Your doctor can perform a simple breathing test called spirometry in the office to diagnose COPD.

Smoking is a huge risk factor for COPD. This gives us parents one more piece of ammunition to use in trying to convince our teenagers not to take up smoking. Smoking can be a big issue if you plan to adopt an older child as many teenagers in the foster care system smoke.

According to the American Cancer Society

Each day, more than 4,000 teens try their first cigarette and another 2,000 become regular, daily smokers. Of those, about a third will die from a smoking-related disease in the future.

According to an article in Youth Today

Of the approximately 680,000 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who reported ever having been in foster care, more than one-third reported illicit drug use, compared with 22 percent of other youth.

People over 40 who either smoke or have smoked in the past are at risk for developing COPD. Others exposed to lung irritants such as chemicals, dust, or fumes over a long period are at risk as well as those who are genetically predisposed.

According to FacingFacts

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death in the nation. The study found that babies of women who smoked during pregnancy were four times more likely to be low birth weight than the babies of mothers who did not smoke.The cost of neonatal intensive care for low birth weight newborns ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per child.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, together with more than 20 partners, have created an education campaign, COPD Learn More Breathe Better, to improve awareness of COPD. Treatments are available to help people continue to lead active lives, yet few people have ever heard of COPD.

However, as you are aware there are many health issues associated with smoking for yourself and those who live with you. Creating an awareness of COPD can help build awareness of the other health risk as well. As parents, it is our duty to set an example for our children. If you smoke, consider stopping for your health and the health of your adopted children.


Other blogs on smoking

Secondhand Smoke Effects Not Reversible
Teen Nicotine Use
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