Prevention

Why?

• Smokers who have COPD on spirometry who receive advice on quitting from physicians, followed by a 10 week support group compared with advice alone are less likely to develop symptoms. ^a
• A low FEV₁  increases the risk of dying - stopping reduces this risk. ^a
• Quitting improves respiratory function (FEV₁ increases on average by 73 l/min after one year in mild cases). However respiratory function continues to decline at the same rate as patients who fail to stop after this. ^a

Smokers with COPD who receive advice and group support on quitting are less likely to develop COPD symptoms

Patient	Treatment	Comparison	Outcome	CER	RRR (95% CI)	NNT (95% CI)
Smokers with COPD a	support group and advice on stopping smoking	advice on stopping smoking	cough for at least 3 months of the year at 5 years	46%	37% (33% to 42%)	6 (5 to 7)
			phlegm for at least 3 months of the year at 5 years	37%	33% (27% to 38%)	8 (7 to 10)
			wheezing at any time at 5 years	54%	15% (10% to 19%)	12 (9 to 19)
			dyspnea at any time at 5 years	38%	13% (7.0% to 19%)	20 (13 to 41)