What are some precautions that copd patients should be taking around smokers?

Avoid...: As a COPD patient, you need to avoid second hand smoke as much as possible since this smoke will result in further airway inflammation, resulting in more symptoms and faster progression. If you wear oxygen, you absolutely cannot be around anyone smoking, ever, since it can cause a fire! key word: avoid!

Stay away from them: A pt with COPD exposed to 2nd hand smoke may experience worsening symptoms of sob/wheezing. Also the COPD pt may be influenced to light up again futher deteriorating the condition.It is the same reason COPD pts remain indoors with bad air advisories.

Stay away!: You must avoid any more exposure to tobacco smoke. Every exposure can damage the lungs further. If that means kicking them out of the room, do it! your lung health is very important. Once lung is lost, it is lost forever.