Can 'old' lungs be restored? Strategies for preserving lung health and preventing and treating COPD

COPD is a disease that clusters in families, usually related to smoking and evolving over a long period, often 30 years. Early diagnosis is possible with use of spirometric tests, and smoking cessation slows the rate of decline and improves survival, even at late stages of disease. Vaccines, bronchoactive drugs, and antibiotics also help preserve lung health and prevent advanced stages of COPD. Early identification of lung dysfunction is a key step in encouraging patients to quit smoking. Testing for "lung age" may be helpful in motivating patients who need to make difficult lifestyle changes.