I smoked cigarettes for 40 years. I’d been coughing uncontrollably for about the last year of smoking. I went to several doctors, tried several rounds of antibiotics and other medications. Nothing helped. I finally went to a pulmonary specialist. Tests confirmed that I had COPD, and my lungs were in terrible shape. The doctor told me I HAD to quit smoking NOW, or I’d been on oxygen soon. I’d tried the patch, gum, hypnotists, and quitting cold turkey, in the past. Nothing had worked. This time I tried the electronic cigarette. After a few days I quit coughing, I could walk further without getting out of breath. My doctor was happy with the solution. He doesn’t believe electronic cigarettes are any worse than the patch or gum, and that nicotine itself is no more harmful than caffeine. It’s just the burning vegetation that is harmful with cigarette smoking. I will be smoke free for 2 years this August 8th. I have not smoked even ONE cigarette since that day. Theresa