Most cases of<unk>  are potentially preventable through decreasing exposure to tobacco smoke and other indoor and outdoor pollutants. Smoking cessation The policies of governments, public health agencies, and antismoking organizations can reduce smoking rates by discouraging people from starting and encouraging people to stop smoking. Smoking bans in public areas and places of work are important measures to decrease exposure to secondhand smoke, and while many places have instituted bans, more are recommended. In those who smoke, stopping smoking is the only measure shown to slow down the worsening of<unk> . Even at a late stage of the<unk> , it can reduce the rate of worsening lung function and delay the onset of disability and death. Often, several attempts are required before long-term abstinence is achieved. Attempts over 5 years lead to success in nearly 40% of people. Some smokers can achieve long-term smoking cessation through willpower alone. Smoking, however, is highly addictive, and many smokers need further support. The chance of quitting is improved with social support, engagement in a smoking cessation program, and the use of medications such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, or varenicline. Combining smoking-cessation medication with behavioral therapy is more than twice as likely to be effective in helping people with<unk>  stop smoking, compared with behavioral therapy alone. Occupational health A number of measures have been taken to reduce the likelihood that workers in at-risk industries—such as coal mining, construction, and stonemasonry—will develop<unk> . Examples of these measures include the creation of public policy, education of workers and management about the risks, promoting smoking cessation, checking workers for early signs of<unk> , use of respirators, and dust control. Effective dust control can be achieved by improving ventilation, using water sprays and by using mining techniques that minimize dust generation. If a worker develops<unk> , further lung damage can be reduced by avoiding ongoing dust exposure, for example by changing their work role. Pollution Both indoor and outdoor air quality can be improved, which may prevent<unk>  or slow the worsening of existing<unk> . This may be achieved by public policy efforts, cultural changes, and personal involvement. Many developed countries have successfully improved outdoor air quality through regulations which has resulted in improvements in the lung function of their populations. Individuals are also advised to avoid irritants of indoor and outdoor pollution. In developing countries one key effort is to reduce exposure to smoke from cooking and heating fuels through improved ventilation of homes and better stoves and chimneys. Proper stoves may improve indoor air quality by 85%. Using alternative energy sources such as solar cooking and electrical heating is also effective. Using fuels such as kerosene or coal might produce less household particulate matter than traditional biomass such as wood or dung, but whether this is better health wise is unclear.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Tracheobronchomalacia
Asthma
Bronchiectasis
Reactive airway disease
Pneumonia
End stage pulmonary disease
Acute bronchitis