Increase in heavy smokers by roughly 50% observed since 2013 - Significant surge in smoking prevalence by nearly half since 2013 observed.
In Germany, the number of excessive smokers has seen a marked increase since 2013, with a 47.5% rise in tobacco addicts reported by the KKH Commercial Health Insurance. Approximately six million people received medical treatment for tobacco dependency or withdrawal symptoms in 2023.
Among these excessive smokers, nearly a quarter suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This proportion has also risen, with 22.8% of excessive smokers affected by COPD in 2023, compared to 19.5% in 2013. Smoking is identified as the primary risk factor for COPD, a leading cause of global deaths.
Michael Falkenstein, an addiction expert, emphasizes that quitting smoking is the only effective measure to halt the progression of the disease. In its study, the KKH used data from 1.66 million of its insured members, including around 118,000 excessive smokers. This accounts for a 7.1% share of insured individuals in 2023, up from 4.8% in 2013.
In Lower Saxony, the number of tobacco addicts increased by 39% between 2013 and 2023, with around 621,000 people treated medically in 2023. The share of heavy smokers among the KKH's insured in this region increased from 5.9% to 8.2%. In 2023, 22.8% of excessive smokers in Lower Saxony were also diagnosed with COPD, compared to 19.7% in 2013.
Falkenstein notes that the current number of tobacco addicts only represents the tip of the iceberg, as many cases of tobacco dependence go undiagnosed. Furthermore, passive smoking and high exposure to chemicals and dust increase the risk of COPD.
Vaping is also a health concern, despite the widespread belief that it is a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. Falkenstein warns that substances harmful to the lungs can still be inhaled through vaping.
In Thuringia, the number of tobacco addicts increased by 99.6% in the ten-year comparison, while the lowest increase was observed in Hamburg at around 26%. Saarland had the highest proportion of excessive smokers with COPD, with 26.1% of heavy smokers affected in 2023.
Regardless of age, Falkenstein advises that quitting smoking is beneficial, as it can lead to improved lung function, reduced coughing, and a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. He believes that quitting smoking pays off at any age. "There is no such thing as safe smoking. Even one cigarette a day increases the risk of heart disease or stroke," he adds.
Understanding the complex interplay between excessive smoking, COPD, and other factors requires concerted efforts in prevention. Notably, smoking cessation programs, promotion of physical activity, screening and early detection, addressing gender-specific factors, and comprehensive occupational health measures are all crucial to reducing tobacco-related health risks in Germany and beyond.
- The community policy should focus on smoking cessation programs as a means to address the rise in excessive smokers and related health issues such as COPD.
- Vocational training could incorporate workplace-wellness education, addressing the impact of tobacco use on medical-conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic-diseases.
- In addition to quitting smoking, adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes regular fitness-and-exercise, skin-care routines, and proper nutrition can aid in managing chronic-kidney-disease, type-2-diabetes, respiratory-conditions, and neurological-disorders.
- Chemical therapies-and-treatments could potentially help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from COPD.
- Michael Falkenstein suggests that employees undergo mental-health check-ups, as stress can exacerbate the symptoms of COPD and other chronic diseases.
- Employers should consider implementing COPD management initiatives, such as providing medical-coverage for treatments and creating a smoke-free work environment, to promote workplace-wellness.
- In the realm of advanced treatments, CBD has shown promising results in managing symptoms of rheumatoid-arthritis and neurological-disorders, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
- In combating the rise of excessive smoking, it's essential to address the underdiagnosed cases of tobacco dependency, which can result from passive smoking, high exposure to chemicals, and dust.
- The promotion and availability of vaping alternatives could help individuals transition away from conventional cigarettes, ultimately reducing tobacco-related health risks, but it's crucial to continually research the potential long-term effects on health.
- As smoking is a leading cause of cardiovascular-health issues, smoking cessation is a vital step to prevent diseases like migraine, COPD, and other chronic diseases, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive health-and-wellness policies.
