Emphysema, asthma don't deter smokers
By HME News Staff
Updated Sun January 19, 2003
January 20, 2003
WASHINGTON - Millions of Americans with chronic lung disease continue smoking despite warnings from their physicians. Some 38% of people with emphysema still smoke, as do almost 25% of those with asthma, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported in December.
The report also noted that 20% of people with high blood pressure or heart problems continue to smoke, as do 18.5% of people with diabetes, diseases that affect millions more Americans.
In addition to the problems of quitting smoking, some people who develop disease take the attitude that the damage is already done so they may as well continue to enjoy cigarettes.
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