Carlos A Jiménez-Ruiz,¹ Susana Luhning,² Daniel Buljubasich³ and Rogelio Pendino⁴
1. Head of Smokers Clinic, Comunity of Madrid; 2. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; 3. Hospital Español de Rosario; 4. Servicio Neumologia, Santorio Parque, Rosario

Abstract
Tobacco smoking is the major etiological factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking cessation is the only therapeutic measure that can cure and avoid the chronic progression of this disorder. Smokers with COPD have a higher degree of nicotine dependence, lower motivation to quit, higher levels of depression and worse weight control than smokers without COPD. These characteristics convert COPD smokers into a hard-core group of smokers. All kinds of interventions must be offered to COPD smokers to help them to quit smoking. Cognitive-behavioural interventions and pharmacological treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline have been demonstrated to be effective and safe. Intensive cognitive-behavioural interventions plus pharmacological treatment are effective and cost-effective for these patients.
Keywords: Smoking cessation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, continued assistance

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