Leonard Nimoy recently revealed that he has a lung disease and is hoping he will inspire his fans to stop smoking before it’s too late. Nimoy claims that he quit smoking 30 years ago, but that wasn’t soon enough and Nimoy is still suffering from lung problems caused by smoking.

Nimoy has been experiencing lung problems for a while now and has often been seen riding in a wheelchair, hooked up to an oxygen tank. His diagnosis is COPD, a disease that can make it hard to breathe and lead to other lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis.

COPD is caused by smoking cigarettes and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The disease can be devastating and while it usually affects long-term smokers, it can affect smokers of any age. The symptoms of COPD and the difficulty in breathing that it causes, can prevent sufferers from enjoying their lives and staying active.

Nimoy had always prided himself on staying active and never officially retired from acting. He even made an appearance as Mr. Spock in last year’s Star Trek sequel Into Darkness and starred as Dr. William Bell in the hit science fiction thriller Fringe.

Nimoy made his fans aware of his condition via Twitter and has already received a lot of support from his fans.

I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014

So sad to hear about 82-year-old Leonard Nimoy's lung cancer revelation. Live long and prosper, Spock…

— Gareth Herincx (@garethherincx) February 6, 2014

Get well Spock! @digitalspyent: Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy diagnosed with lung disease http://t.co/tcwrGx8Jj0

— LaraLaughs (@Lara_Laughs) February 6, 2014

Makes me sad. Take his advice folks who smoke! Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy, 82, suffering from COPD http://t.co/QlKWZnwViC via @MailOnline

— Viv Maguire (@bogwoppit24) February 6, 2014

It is not likely that COPD will keep Nimoy down and he will continue to work as much as possible and be an inspiration to many.

Image via Twitter.