United States: A newly launched study has established that children who develop the smoking habit at before 15 years will be 27 percent more likely to be affected by COPD as compared to others who start smoking at a later age. Published in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation, the study explores the effect of early smoking on the chronic diseases, as reported by HealthDay.
Long-term Effect of Childhood Experience of Smoking
“COPD risk is notably higher among child smokers, whether they currently smoke, are exposed to secondhand smoke, or not,” suggested pulmonologist Dr. Laura Paulin of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. COPD is a serious and chronic lung condition with no known cure, which results in gradually worstening breathing patterns.
Key Findings from the Study
- 29% of childhood smokers developed COPD, compared to 21% who started smoking later and 8% who never smoked.
- Childhood smokers had longer smoking histories and higher exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Even after adjusting for smoking history and secondhand smoke, early smokers remained at higher risk for COPD.
Why Early Smoking Is More Harmful
“Critical lung development occurs during childhood and adolescence, making young lungs more vulnerable to cigarette damage,” Dr. Paulin explained. This vulnerability underscores the importance of targeted public health efforts to prevent youth smoking.
Public Health Implications
New cases of COPD diagnosed annually across the globe stand around 10 million, highlighting the weak prevention measures as featured in this research paper. The COPD can be mitigated if people receive treatment earlier in their lives therefore enhancing the public health status, as reported by HealthDay.
Call to Action
Help save young lungs from premature damage and curb future health problems by contributing toward the fight against smoking targeting children and teenagers.