Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease secondary prevention


 * Philip Marcus, M.D., M.P.H. [mailto:pmarcus192@aol.com];

Overview
To decrease the number and rate of COPD deaths, public health programs should continue efforts to reduce all personal exposure to 1) tobacco smoke, including passive smoke exposure; 2) occupational dusts and chemicals; and 3) other indoor and outdoor air pollutants linked to COPD. Once COPD is diagnosed, chronic disease management programs should work to prevent further deterioration in lung function and reduce COPD mortality. The numbers of deaths for which COPD was the underlying cause and population estimates for calculation of rates were obtained from the CDC Wonder compressed mortality database† of the National Vital Statistics System.

Secondary Prevention
Although COPD is not curable, it can be controlled in a variety of ways. Clinical practice guidelines by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), a collaboration including the American National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the World Health Organization, are available.

Smoking cessation
Smoking cessation is one of the most important factors in slowing down the progression of COPD. Even at a late stage of the disease it can reduce the rate of deterioration and prolong the time taken for disability and death.

Occupational change
Workers may be able to transfer to a significantly less contaminated area of the company depending on circumstances. Often however, workers may need complete occupational change.