Smoking cessation.

Cessation of cigarette smoking is the single most important therapeutic intervention that is effective in reducing the symptoms of COPD and in preventing its onset. Smoking cessation is, therefore, a major goal in efforts to mitigate the burden of this disease. This review will consider the pharmacologic and behavioral therapies that have been used to assist smokers in overcoming their addiction. These strategies assist a significant minority of smokers to stop smoking and, thus, they can have an important positive impact on COPD as well as on other health outcomes.