Quitting smoking is no easy task, especially if you've been a smoker for...
Quitting smoking is no easy task, especially if you've been a smoker for many years. However, quitting is indeed possible with the right mindset, information and support. To celebrate the Great American Smokeout, a day encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit, Dr. Ashby Jordan, Medical Director of the Respiratory Care Clinic at Advocate Sherman Hospital, provides useful advice to kick the habit permanently.
According to Dr. Jordan, a determination to quit smoking is a significant step toward success. To successfully quit smoking, the most important factors are being determined and creating a plan of action. Also, let everyone around you know that you are quitting so they will encourage you.
Resources to Help You Quit
To increase your chances of success, consider using resources such as smoking cessation programs or nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, etc.) and prescription medications. All of these methods are useful tools to quit smoking and statistically improve success rates, Dr. Jordan says. Medications do have side effects, so you should consult with your doctor on what method is best for you.
Other quitting methods include hypnotism, laser therapy and acupuncture; however, studies show these options are no more effective than quitting cold turkey. These methods may be useful depending on the individual, but I recommend sticking with the tried-and-true nicotine replacement therapy, medication and smoking cessation programs.
Benefits of Kicking the Habit
The benefits of quitting smoking increase dramatically over time. According to the American Cancer Society, a persons heart rate and blood pressure are lowered just 20 minutes after smoking. After two weeks, a former smokers circulation and lung function improves. From one to nine months after quitting, a former smokers lungs begin to regain normal function. As a result, shortness of breath and coughing decreases. After 10 years, a former smoker has the same risk of lung cancer as a non-smoker.
Quitting smoking won't immediately return your lungs back to normal, but it stops the damage process, Dr. Jordan explains. Surprisingly, a lot of people who quit will actually have a worsened cough soon after quitting. This is the lungs clearance mechanisms reviving themselves. I tell my patients to not be discouraged if their cough increases. This is a sign that the lungs are becoming liberated.
Remember, you will have bad days on your journey to quitting that may lead to a relapse. If you do relapse, don't view it as a failure. Instead, take the time to reevaluate your goals, consider another course of action and try again. The important piece of
Posted in Other Health and Medical Post Date 11/02/2021