It's time to quit smoking!

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Hong Phuc - Emergency Resuscitation Doctor, Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital. The doctor has nearly 20 years of experience in Emergency Resuscitation.

Smoking is not only harmful to the health of the smoker but also affects the health of those around. Recognizing this danger, many people are aware and proceed to quit smoking. The information below can help you to quit smoking effectively.

Tobacco is believed to be the leading cause of death in women. One of the most serious consequences of smoking is lung cancer. Lung cancer kills more women than other types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Another disease also linked to smoking is heart disease - currently the number one killer of many American women. Life expectancy in women is lower than in smokers, about 12 years lower on average.

With each cigarette, the body is exposed to more than 7,000 different chemicals. Hundreds of chemicals among them are toxic chemicals. There are about 70 carcinogens. The chemicals in cigarette smoke travel from the lungs to the blood vessels. Blood in the arteries carries these chemicals throughout the body. Therefore, smoking even one cigarette affects health.
Women who smoke look older and tend to develop wrinkles earlier than non-smokers. Cigarette smoke can change the color of a smoker's teeth, nails, and fingers. Smokers' skin is also often paler due to the oxidation that occurs when smoke enters the body. All of the above factors negatively affect the appearance and physicality of the smoker.

People who don't smoke but are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have health problems. In children, secondhand smoke has been linked to asthma and lung infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and otitis media. Infants exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS).
See also: Alarm: Effects of passive smoking on children's health

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to protect the health of yourself and your family. In addition, there are other reasons:
You will look beautiful and have more energy Your teeth, hands, and nails are no longer stained by tobacco Quitting smoking is one way to avoid spending money on harmful habits Never worry about running out of cigarette smoke The smell of tobacco will fade on your clothes, home and other items you frequently come in contact with. Be a good example to your children and others

Some people are able to quit without planning. Others need a plan to quit smoking. Take these steps to help get started with quitting:
Be firm about wanting to quit : Avoid thinking about how hard it can be. Instead, imagine your life smoke-free. Find a support person or group: People who get support from others online, on the phone, with a mentor, or in groups have a higher chance of success. Focus on reasons to quit smoking to improve your health. Protect your family or save money. These reasons will help you persevere. Tell family and friends about your plan to stop smoking for their support. If they smoke, maybe ask them to quit with them. Doing this can help quitters have more companions on the journey to quit smoking. Learn about products that help quit smoking. Visualize what to expect when you give up smoking. Find ways to deal with cravings and the accompanying emotional stress. Understand what triggers you to smoke and think about how to deal with those problems during and after quitting successfully. Set a goal to quit at a specific time: set small goals for a few days or weeks toward the big goal of eliminating smoking from your life completely. Mark the date on your calendar. The clearer the goal, the easier it is to achieve, while also creating a meaningful day to celebrate every year. See your doctor for advice. Smokers should indicate they are in the process of quitting and would like to receive helpful information. Smoking is a physical addiction. So your doctor can help you design the most effective quit smoking plan.

The first week of smoking cessation is the most difficult. You may experience restlessness, irritability and hunger, may develop sleep disturbances, feel dizzy, drowsy or have headaches. These withdrawal symptoms usually last a few hours, peak in the first 2-3 days and can last for up to a month.

The advantage of nicotine replacement products is that there is only nicotine in the product, without many harmful chemicals like in cigarette smoke. These products reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you become accustomed to a smoke-free life. Nicotine products are marketed as gum, lozenges, skin patches, nasal sprays, or inhalers.
Users can buy nicotine products in the store. Others need a prescription before use. Some nicotine replacement products may be covered by health insurance. Contact your doctor for more detailed information as well as to choose the right products.

Bupropion is an antidepressant. It helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Bupropion is used only when prescribed. Treatment begins 2 weeks before the date you decide to quit. Treatment usually lasts about 7 to 12 weeks, but can also last longer. Bupropion can be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapy. Possible side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, and skin rash.

Varenicline is another approved drug for people trying to quit smoking. This medication blocks the pleasant effects of nicotine on the brain. Treatment begins 1 week before the date you decide to quit. Treatment lasts 12 weeks. Side effects may include nightmares while sleeping and an upset stomach.

Both bupropion and varenicline have been linked to depression, behavior changes, agitation, and suicidal thoughts. If you experience changes in behavior or have suicidal thoughts while taking the medication, discontinue use and report symptoms to your doctor for treatment advice.
Varenicline has not been studied in pregnant women. There is also little information on the effects of bupropion, which is unlikely to cause problems during pregnancy. Both drugs can be passed from mother to baby through breast milk. Most experts recommend using these drugs during pregnancy only if the benefits of quitting outweigh the possible risks to your baby.

Quitting smoking can be a cause of depression. Many smokers are unaware that they are depressed and they use nicotine as a self-treatment. Signs and symptoms of depression include feeling sad, lacking interest in activities you once enjoyed, and sleeping too much or having trouble falling asleep. These feelings occur almost every day and last for at least 2 weeks. If you think you are depressed, contact a psychologist to find solutions. There are treatments that can help improve the condition for the better. If you have suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.

Reference source: Acog.org