Tobacco use in relation to COPD and asthma.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Hundreds of millions of individuals still smoke, affecting their health as well as that of their peers, family and offspring. Smoking is a well-established prime risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hampers the response to treatment in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the present paper, new concepts are discussed with respect to pathology, treatment, smoking cessation and tobacco control. Recommendations for future directions are given.