| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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Cigarette smoking is an addiction disorder and the cause of many
serious health problems. Among the thousands of chemicals in cigarette
smoke are three known substances which are dangerous to the person
smoking and to those who breathe in the second-hand smoke. The three
are tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas). Tar condenses
into a sticky substance in the lungs; nicotine is the addictive component
of tobacco smoke; and carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen carried
by the red blood cells throughout the body. There is overwhelming
evidence that anyone who smokes should make every attempt to quit.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
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Any amount of cigarette smoking. The more one smokes, the greater
the health risks. There is no safe level of exposure; someone who
smokes occasionally (1 to 4 cigarettes a day) is still at greater
risk for health problems than nonsmokers. An average smoker smokes
15 to 20 cigarettes a day.
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| Causes |
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Tobacco use usually begins as a social behavior and results in significant
physical consequences in the body.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Addictive personality traits such as impulsiveness, difficulty
in delaying gratification, sensation-seeking, rebelliousness, weak
commitment to social goals, sense of alienation, or low tolerance
for stress. Other characteristics are low self-esteem, anxiety and
depression, condicting parental expectations.
- Less education (high school dropouts are more likely to smoke
than college graduates).
- Lower socioeconomic group.
- Ages 25 to 44 have highest smoking rates.
- Blue collar occupation group.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Education about health risks.
- Smoking restrictions in the workplace and other public facilities.
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| Expected Outcome |
For discontinuing smoking:
- It is never too late to quit. Discontinuing smoking can reverse
the majority of health risks, some within one year, others within
10 to 15 years.
- Smoking cessation will bring improved quality of life: Food tastes
better, fresher breath, less coughing, more money, increased stamina,
happier family and friends, improved mental health
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| Possible Complications |
For continued smoking:
- Cancer of the lung, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, mouth, larynx
or cervix.
- Heart and cardiovascular disease including heart attacks and
sudden death; coronary artery disease; hypertension; stroke. Oral
contraceptive use compounds risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- More prominent skin wrinkling.
- Problems with infertility; numerous risks of complications in
pregnancy, and possible threats to the health of a newborn.
- Earlier menopause and possible osteoporosis.
- Second hand smoke is harmful to anyone around the smoker.
- Residential fire deaths (majority are caused by smoking).
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- The majority of smokers who quit do it on their own; others are
helped by variety of methods. No one way works for everyone.
- Self-help steps in quitting:
1) Analyze your smoking habits by determining when and why you
smoke.
2) Make up your mind to quit.
3) Choose the day and quit on that day.
4) Use any kind of substitute (gum, hard candy). Give up those
activities temporarily that you associate with smoking.
5) Reward yourself for not smoking (buy something special).
6) During the first few weeks, eat plenty of low calorie snacks;
drink lots of water.
- For help in quitting, check with the local office of the American
Cancer Society or The American Lung Association, or call The National
Cancer Institute Information Service (800) 4-CANCER
- Join a support group or a formal smoking cessation program.
- Try out other ideas such as hypnosis or acupuncture.
- Concerns about quitting:
1) Weight gain-average amount is 5 to 8 pounds over 5 years (for
some, there is no weight gain); the extra weight is not a health
threat.
2) Stress-know in advance it may occur; get counseling or help
with stress management.
3) Withdrawal-physical symptoms subside in about 10 to 14 days;
psychologic symptoms may persist for months or longer.
4) Fear of failure-relapse is common; if it happens, try again
immediately. Many people have had to try more than once and by
more than one method.
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| Medication |
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Stop-smoking aids include nicotine gum, transdermal nicotine patches
and a nasal spray. The idea of this therapy is to provide nicotine
in a form other than a cigarette so as to minimize the symptoms of
withdrawal while being weaned from smoking. There are side effects
associated with these aids, so be sure you discuss the risks and benefits
with the doctor. Aids are to be used in conjunction with counseling
or a smoking-cessation program.
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| Activity |
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Establish a regular exercise routine. It will help control weight,
combat restlessness, help break up old routines, and make you feel
better mentally and physically. Lung capacity improves when smoking
is discontinued, so there is less shortness of breath when exercising
or doing other physical activities.
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| Diet |
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There is no special diet associated with smoking cessation. Metabolism
rate tends to slow after quitting and a weight gain may occur. Low
calorie snacks are recommended to replace the oral sensation of smoking.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
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You or a family member is a cigarette smoker and wants help in quitting.
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