Lung obstruction is characterized by blocked airflow, shortness of breath, and difficulty exhaling. The most common obstructive lung diseases are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Approximately 15% of U.S. adults aged 40–79 have lung obstruction, with about one-third of those having moderate or worse obstruction. Smoking tobacco increases respiratory symptoms, lung function loss, and the rate of lung function decline. The benefits of smoking cessation are numerous for all adults and especially for those with lung obstruction. This report presents national estimates of cigarette smoking among adults with measured lung obstruction for the period 2007–2012. Suggested citation: Paulose-Ram R, Tilert T, Dillon CF, Brody DJ. Cigarette smoking and lung obstruction among adults aged 40–79: United States, 2007–2012. NCHS data brief, no 181. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2015. CS253511

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection