Smoking cessation is the most effective method of slowing the poor respiratory function associated with COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD], 2014). Stopping smoking should be a core tenet of the treatment plan for any patient with COPD, not least because cessation is associated with a 43% decreased risk of hospitalisation (Godtfredsen et al, 2002). It is important that patients realise that abstaining from smoking significantly reduces the risk of exacerbating their COPD symptoms.