Dictionary

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Acetone
Chemical found in cigarettes. Commonly known as nail polish remover.
Acupuncture
Form of traditional Chinese medicine which involves inserting and manipulating needles into points on the body to treat pain and disease. Scientific evidence does not support this treatment for smoking cessation purposes and further research is needed.
Addiction
Uncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of a substance such as a drug or alcohol.
Ammonia
Chemical found in cigarettes. Used in household cleaning products.
Asthma
A common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways.
Ban
To prohibit or forbid.
Betal Quid with Tobacco
A dry, preparation of betal leaf, tobacco, areca nut, catechu, and slanked lime which is used like chewing tobacco and has similar negative health effects. Manufactured in India. Also known as gutka.
Bidi Cigarettes
Small, brown, hand-rolled, flavored cigarette.
Blood Pressure
The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. One of the principle vital signs.
Bronchitis
The inflammation of the bronchi (airways) in the lungs. Symptoms include cough and wheezing.
Bupropion
Generic name of a prescription antidepressant drug that is used as an aid for smoking cessation to help smokers quit smoking. The brand name Zyban has been approved by the FDA as for the purposes of smoking cessation. Brand Names: Zyban, Wellbutrin.
Butane
Chemical found in cigarettes. Also known as lighter fluid.
Cadmium
Chemical found in cigarettes. Used in batteries.
Cancer
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
Cancers related to cigarette smoking: bladder, cervical, esophageal, kidney, laryngeal, leukemia, lung, oral, pancreatic, stomach
Cancers related to Smokeless Tobacco: oral cavity (lip, tongue, cheeks, gums and the floor and roof of the mouth)
Cancers related to Cigar Smoking: oral cavity (lip, tongue, mouth, and throat), larynx, lung, and esophagus, pancreas
Surgeon General's report: "The Health Consequences of Smoking"
Cancer-Causing Substances
See Carcinogens.
Carbon Monoxide
A colorless, odorless gas found in cigarette smoke.
Carcinogen
Substances that cause cancer. These include substances such as chemicals, viruses, hormones, ionizing radiation, and solid materials.
Cardiovascular Disease
Also known as Heart Disease. Class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States.
Cardiovascular diseases related to cigarette smoking: abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, cerbrovascular disease (stroke), coronary heart disease.
http://www.cdc.gov/HeartDisease/index.htm
Surgeon General's report: "The Health Consequences of Smoking"
Catapres

Prescription drug that is used as an aid for smoking cessation, but is not approved by the FDA for the purposes of smoking cessation. Generic Name: Clonidine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The United States government public health organization whose mission is "to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability".
http://www.cdc.gov/
Cessation
The act of stopping or discontinuing something, such as quitting smoking or tobacco use. Cessation Products Items which may be used to aid in quitting smoking.
Chantix
Prescription drug that has been approved by the FDA for the purposes of smoking cessation. Generic Name: Varenicline
Chewing Tobacco
A wad of tobacco that is put inside of the cheek. See Smokeless Tobacco.
Chronic Bronchitis
A respiratory disease in which the mucous membrane in the lungs' bronchial passages becomes inflamed. As the irritated membrane swells and grows thicker, it narrows or shuts off the tiny airways in the lungs, resulting in coughing spells accompanied by thick phlegm and breathlessness. Chronic bronchitis, like lung disease and emphysema, is a serious long-term disorder that requires regular medical treatment.
Chronic Cough
A cough that lasts for more than three weeks that can be caused by smoking cigarettes.
Chronic Lung Disease
Long term condition that reduces the air capacity of the lungs.
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)
Refers to lung diseases which block airflow and interfere with normal breathing. COPD includes Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema.
Cigar
A large, rolled bundle of dried and cured tobacco, other additives and flavorings which is lit on one end and smoked.
Cigarette
A small roll of finely cut, cured tobacco, other additives and flavorings which is lit on one end for the purpose of inhalation of its smoke.
Clonidine (Clonidine Tablets)
Generic name of prescription drug that is used as an aid for smoking cessation, but is not approved by the FDA for the purposes of smoking cessation. Brand Names: Catapres.
Clove Cigarettes
Also known as kreteks, these cigarettes contain about 60 percent tobacco and 40 percent ground cloves.
Cold Turkey
Slang expression for someone who gives up a habit all at once without behavioral or pharmacological support.
Compensating
The tendency for those who smoke 'light' cigarettes to inhale more deeply; take larger, more rapid, or more frequent puffs; or smoke a few extra cigarettes each day to get enough nicotine to satisfy their cravings.
Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act (CSTHEA)
Passed in 1986 to inform the public of any dangers to human health resulting from the use of smokeless tobacco products. It requires that anyone who manufactures, packages, or imports smokeless tobacco products to submit to the Department of Health and Human Services the list of ingredients added to tobacco in the manufacture of smokeless tobacco products as well as a specification of the quantity of nicotine contained in each smokeless tobacco product.
Coronary Artery Disease
See Coronary Heart Disease.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
A narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease.
Craving
A great yearning.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
The United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.
http://www.hhs.gov/index.html
Dip
See Smokeless Tobacco and Chewing Tobacco.
Drugs associated with Smoking Cessation
Bupropion, Catapres, Chantix, Clonidine, Commit, Duaclon, Habitrol, Nicoderm, Nicoderm CQ, Nicotrol, Prostep, Varenicline, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban.
Emphysema
Chronic obstructive lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and usually caused by chronic tobacco smoking. Its hallmark is accumulation of air and loss of elastic recoil in the lung tissues.
Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (FCLAA)
Defines a cigarette as "any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco.[and] any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette…"
Filter
A porous material which a liquid or gas may pass through.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The United States government's scientific, regulatory, and public health agency that is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
http://www.fda.gov/
Gutka
See Betal Quid with Tobacco.
Health
A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or illness, with the ability to lead a socially and economically productive life.
Heart Disease
Also known as Cardiovascular Disease. Class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
http://www.cdc.gov/HeartDisease/index.htm
Herbal Cigarettes
Tobacco- and nicotine-free cigarettes. They produce many of the same toxins found in tobacco smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide.
Hookah
See Water Pipe.
Hypnosis
Alternative state of consciousness where attention is away from the present and towards particular images, thoughts, perceptions, feelings, motivations, sensations, behaviors or a combination of these. Scientific evidence does not support this treatment for smoking cessation purposes and further research is needed.
Infection
Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body, and can be localized or systemic (spread throughout the body). The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on the site of the infection.
Inhaler
A device through which a substance is taken into the lungs.
Involuntary Smoking
See Second-hand Smoke.
Instant Messaging
The ability to exchange real time messages with another computer user on the Internet.
Iq'Mik
A form of smokeless tobacco used among Alaska Natives made of a blend of tobacco and phellinus ash (punk ash).
Kreteks
See Clove Cigarettes.
Laser Therapy
Similar to acupuncture, but uses a device (a laser) which emits radiation of one or more discrete frequencies instead of needles. Scientific evidence does not support this treatment for smoking cessation purposes and further research is needed.
Light Cigarettes
Cigarettes which claim to contain lower tar and nicotine. Light cigarettes are not safer and do not help smokers quit. Also known as "low-tar", "mild", or "ultra-light". See Compensating.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/light-cigarettes
Live Help
A web service that allows organizations with websites to communicate or chat live with visitors to the website.
Low Birth Weight
Infants who are born weighing less than 2500 grams. A known outcome of maternal smoking.
Low Tar
Cigarettes which are marketed with less Tar. See Tar.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/smokealrt.shtm
Mainstream
Smoke which comes out through a person's mouth after inhaling it from a cigarette
Metabolism
The processing of substances within the body.
Methanol
Chemical found in cigarettes. Also a component of rocket fuel.
Morbidity
Disease; Incidence of disease
Mortality
Death; Death Rate
Nic Water
Water marketed as a dietary supplement nicotine alternative. Note: Dietary supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Nicotine
A poisonous volatile alkaloid derived from tobacco and responsible for many of the effects of tobacco; it first stimulates (small doses) then depresses (large doses).
Nicotine Gum
An over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy drug which provides a source of nicotine apart from smoking. An example of the gum is Majorette. See Nicotine (Systemic).
Nicotine Inhaler
An over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy drug which release a mist of nicotine into one's lungs. An example of the inhaler is Nicotrol. See Nicotine (Systemic).
Nicotine Lozenge
An over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy drug which dissolves in the mouth. Common types of nicotine lozenge include Commit and Ariva. See Nicotine (Systemic).
Nicotine Nasal Spray
An over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy drug which is pumped into the nostril and sprays nicotine. An example of the nasal spray is Nicotrol. See Nicotine (Systemic).
Nicotine Patch
An over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy drug which looks like an oversized adhesive bandage. The outer part of the patch sticks to your skin, while the inner portion slowly releases nicotine into your skin. Nicotine patches are available with and without a prescription. An example of the nicotine patch is Nicoderm CQ. See Nicotine (Systemic).
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement products help relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms people experience when they quit smoking. These products are available over-the-counter and with a prescription.
Nicotine (Systemic)
Nicotine in forms such as gum, lozenge, nasal spray, inhaler, or transdermal skin patch which aids in smoking cessation. These drugs which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) help with the withdrawal effects of smoking and act as replacement of the nicotine that one would get from smoking. Common Brand Names: Commit, Nicoderm CQ, Nicorette, Nicotrol.
Nicotine Vaccine
A new smoking cessation treatment that is under development and not yet available to the public. Common name: NikVax.
Nortriptyline
Prescription drug approved by the FDA as an antidepressant medication but not approved in as a smoking-cessation therapy.
Over-the-Counter
Medications/drugs that are sold without a prescription from a doctor.
Passive Smoking
See Second-hand Smoke.
Phlegm
Mucus which is coughed up from the lungs
Pipe
A tube with a small bowl at one end that is filled with tobacco, lit, and smoked.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhis/tobacco/nhis_togloss.htm
Pneumonia
An inflammatory infection that occurs in the lungs.
Premature Death
Death which occurs before the average age of death.
Premature Delivery
Baby which is born before 38 weeks gestation.
Prescription
Medications/drugs that are sold with a written order from a doctor.
Prevention
Behaviors which reduce the risk of illness. Smoking cessation is one way to reduce the risk of illnesses associated with cigarette smoking.
Primary Cancer
Where cancer starts. For instance, primary lung cancer starts in the lungs. See Secondary Cancer.
Pulmonary Function
How well the lungs are working including expanding and contracting (inhaling and exhaling) and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently between the air (or other gases) within the lungs and the blood.
Pulse
Heart Rate; Heart Beat.
Quit
Putting an end to a state or an activity; give up; discontinue. See Cessation.
Quitline
A toll-free hotline staffed by counselors trained specifically on quitting smoking.
Recovery
Returning to an original state or condition.
Respiratory Diseases
Illness that affects the upper respiratory tract (e.g. nose, throat), respiratory airways (bronchi, voice box) and/or lungs.
Respiratory diseases related to cigarette smoking: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, respiratory effects in utero, respiratory effects in childhood and adolescence, respiratory effects in adulthood, coughing, phlegm, wheezing, and dyspnea, poor asthma control.
Surgeon General's report: "The Health Consequences of Smoking"
Relapse
When a person is affected by a condition that affected them in the past, such as an illness or addiction to a drug.
Relaxation Technique
A method used to reduce tension and anxiety, and control pain.
http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=44723
Rimonabant
Prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an anti-obesity medication but not approved in as a smoking-cessation therapy.
Second-hand Smoke
Environmental tobacco smoke that is inhaled involuntarily or passively by someone who is not smoking. Environmental tobacco smoke is generated from the sidestream (the burning end) of a cigarette, pipe or cigar or from the exhaled mainstream (the smoke puffed out by smokers) of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Also known as passive or involuntary smoking.
Secondary Cancer
Cancer that has spread from that place it started (primary cancer) to another part of the body or a new primary cancer.
Self Medication
Medicating yourself without professional supervision, such as using an over-the-counter drug.
Short-Term After-Effects
Feelings one might experience shortly after stopping smoking that last for a short amount of time such as anxious, irritable, hungry, more tired, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
Sidestream
Smoke that comes from the lit end of a cigar, cigarette or pipe.
Smoke Free
Places that do not allow smoking. A way to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.
Smokeless Tobacco
Tobacco that is not smoked but used in another form. Chewing tobacco and snuff are the two main forms of smokeless tobacco in use in the United States. Sometimes called spit tobacco.
The Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act (CSTHEA), 15 U.S.C. §4408, defines smokeless tobacco as "any finely cut, ground, powdered, or leaf tobacco that is intended to be placed in the oral cavity."
Smoker
A person who smokes tobacco.
Smoking
The act of drawing in or inhaling smoke of burning tobacco in a cigarette, pipe or cigar and exhaling it.
Smoking Cessation Program

A plan of action that facilitates quitting smoking.
Smoking Injection
A smoking cessation therapy that is offered by some smoking cessation clinics. Although the medications commonly used in these injections are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of various medical conditions, they have not been approved as a treatment for smoking cessation.
Snuff
Finely ground or shredded tobacco that is either sniffed through the nose or placed between the cheek and gum.
Spit Tobacco
See Smokeless Tobacco.
Stimulant
A chemical or drug, such as caffeine or nicotine, that temporarily accelerates physiological activity.
Stroke
Occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked and oxygen cannot get to the brain causing cells in the brain to die. Also called cerebrovascular incident. Smoking has been linked to a heightened risk of stroke.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The sudden and unexpected death of a baby with no known illness, typically affecting sleeping infants between the ages of 2 weeks to 6 months.
Surgeon General
The Surgeon General serves as America's chief health educator by providing Americans the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/
Tar
Toxic chemicals which are found in cigarettes. In its solid form, it is the brown, tacky substance that is left behind on the end of the cigarette filter.
Teenager
A person between the ages of about 13 and 19. Also known as Teen or Adolescent.
Therapy
Treatment of an illness, disease or disability. Therapy may be scientifically proven to treat an illness or unproven to treat an illness. Unproven treatments are also called alternative therapy.
Tobacco
A plant with leaves that have high levels of the addictive chemical nicotine. The leaves may be smoked (in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes), applied to the gums (as dipping and chewing tobacco), or inhaled (as snuff). Tobacco leaves also contain many cancer-causing chemicals, and tobacco use and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke have been linked to many types of cancer and other diseases. The scientific name is Nicotiana tabacum. Tobacco is American in origin.
http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_alpha.aspx?CdrID=439432
Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs)
The most powerful carcinogens known and are found in tobacco products. These carcinogens are known to cause several cancers and other diseases and illnesses.
Transdermal Skin Patch
A medicated adhesive patch that is put on the skin to release a dose of medication through the skin into the bloodstream.
Trigger
Something that initiates a reaction, such as a cigarette craving.
Ultra Light
See Light Cigarette.
Vaccine
See Nicotine Vaccine.
Varenicline
Prescription drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the purposes of smoking cessation. Brand Name: Chantix.
Water Pipe
A device used for smoking substances, such as tobacco, where the smoke is drawn through water or ice and cooled before inhaling.
Weight
See Weight Gain.
Weight Gain
An increase in body weight which is common after quitting smoking.
Wellbutrin
Prescription antidepressant drug that is used as an aid for smoking cessation, but is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the purposes of smoking cessation. Generic Name: Bupropion.
Withdrawal
Physical and psychological symptoms that follow the discontinuance of an addicting drug. The symptoms that have been associated with smoking cessation include cravings to smoke, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, inability to concentrate, increased appetite, headache, cough, sore throat, constipation, gas, dry mouth, sore tongue and/or gums, postnasal drip, tightness in chest.
Zyban
Prescription antidepressant drug that is approved by the FDA as an aid for smoking cessation. Generic Name: Bupropion.
Smokefree.gov National Cancer Institute Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services USA.gov