[Prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (primary prevention and secondary prevention)]

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The prevention of smoking initiation among teenagers and the encouragement of smoking cessation among smokers lead to preventing the onset and progression of COPD. Smoking cessation is the single most effective- and cost-effective-way to reduce the risk of developing COPD and stop its progression. Comprehensive tobacco control policies and programs, which involve some mix of public education, mass media campaigns, prevention of youth access to tobacco, school-based smoking prevention curricula, creation of smoke-free environment, and health professional training on cessation techniques should be delivered.