27/11/2021
Why Quitting Smoking is Important:
Since 1964 when the Surgeon General of the United States released his report linking smoking to a wide range of respiratory diseases including cancer, Americans have known of the potential hazards of cigarette/ pipe use. Following that report, the rate of smoking in adults has gradually decreased from 42.4% in 1965, 20.9% in 2005, and 17.8% in 2013; 20.5% in men and 15.3% in women.. However, while we have made progress, there is still a great need to encourage to***co cessation. We now know that smoking is responsible for many other diseases. Use of to***co products has become the largest single preventable cause of death in America. Below is a brief discussion of some of the many links between smoking and systemic disease.
To***co Use and Systemic Diseases
Cardiovascular Disease: Cigarette smoke damages the lining of blood vessels and begins the process of atherosclerosis (plaque that blocks the blood vessels). This in turn leads to all forms of heart disease including angina (chest pain), heart attack, irregular heart beats, stroke, and sudden death. In 2011, it was estimated that there were 174,500 deaths from cardiovascular diseases directly related to smoking; and 46,000 deaths from exposure to second hand smoke.
Lung Diseases: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of respiratory diseases in the United States resulting in more than 84,000 deaths from bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, and chronic airway obstruction (COPD. Cigarette smoking directly causes over 90% of lung cancers; and secondhand smoke causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually in nonsmokers. One study estimates that 17% of lung cancer in nonsmokers results from exposure to to***co smoke during their childhood years.
Gastrointestinal Diseases: Smoking is associated with an increased risk for GERD, gallstones stomach ulcers and cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, and colon cancer.
Arthritis / Bone Disease: Smoking increases the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Smokers have less bone mass than nonsmokers and the bone loss is more rapid in postmenopausal females who smoke.
Eye Disorders: Smoking increases the risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Depression: Smokers are more likely to have depression and have more anxiety disorders, bulimia, attention-deficit disorders, alcohol abuse, and schizophrenia than non-smokers.
Specific Concerns for Women Who Smoke: The leading cancer killer in females is lung cancer. Since 1950, there has been a 600% increase in lung cancer deaths in smoking females. In 2015, 71,000 females will die from lung cancer. Women who smoke have an increased risk of infertility and spontaneous abortion. Complications caused by smoking during pregnancy include pre-term delivery, increased risk of stillbirth, lower birth weight, and decreased lung function in the developing child.
Oral Disease: Many oral diseases are directly linked to smoking and to***co use. Please see PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET: Oral Changes Associated with To***co Use.
Bottom Line: The negative, harmful, addictive effects of to***co products are clear. If you or a person that you care for smokes, please take action to stop. It can be done.
Benefits of Stopping Smoking
One of the many excuses for not stopping smoking is that the health damage has already been done and that the damage cannot be reversed. Please see PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET: To***co Use: Common Questions and Concerns. The following shows just how quickly you can benefit from stopping smoking:
After you smoke your last cigarette:
Within 20 minutes your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature will return to its normal values.
Within 24 hours your risk for having a heart attack begins to decrease.
Within 2 days your sense of smell and taste will begin to return. Food will taste and smell like it should.
Within 3 days your body is “free” of ni****ne.
Within 3 weeks both your body and brain will no longer be dependent on ni****ne.
Within 3 months your blood circulation and lung function has significantly improved.
Within one year you will have a large reduction in risk for both heart diseases and cancers.
Within 15 years your health risks are similar to those of a non-to***co user.
Why should I quit smoking?
The decision to quit smoking is the most important step you can take to improve your overall health. It is NEVER too late to quit. By quitting smoking, you can:
Lengthen your life expectancy
Decrease your risk of disease (including lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers and reflux, erectile and sexual dysfunction, kidney disease, and other conditions)
Reduce your risk of respiratory and anesthesia complications during surgery and risk of infection or re-admission after an operation
Decrease the chance that your children will become sick (respiratory and ear infections are much more common among children exposed to secondhand smoke)
Feel healthier (after quitting, you won’t cough as much, have as many sore throats or stuffy noses, and will have an increased energy level and exercise tolerance)
Improve your sense of taste and smell
Improve your personal life (smoking causes erectile dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction)
Improve your looks (smoking cause wrinkles, stained teeth, and dull skin)
Save money – a 1 pack-per-day habit costs $2,200/year
What’s the best way to quit smoking?
There is no best way to quit smoking. Everyone has different smoking patterns, habits, levels of addiction, and preferences. What works best for one person may have little impact on someone else. For this reason, the best smoking cessation programs offer several proven methods, not just one.
The Cleveland Clinic To***co Treatment Center offers a variety of methods to help people who want to become nonsmokers. Our program offers:
An individualized treatment plan. A certified to***co specialist determines how dependent you are on ni****ne, how ready you are to quit, and your preferred method of learning. The specialist will develop a treatment plan specifically designed for you to give you the best chance of quitting successfully.
Use of a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. Your treatment plan includes the latest to***co treatment medications such as bupropion, varenicline, and/or ni****ne replacement therapies (e.g., ni****ne gum or the patch). Behavior therapies include exercise, reading material, and individual or group counseling.
Follow-up. The to***co treatment specialist follows up on your progress, offers tips and celebrates your successes. Cleveland Clinic To***co Cessation specialists developed the PQRS strategy to help you quit:
PREPARE: You need a little time before you quit –14 to 30 days is usually optimal – to prime your mind and body for success.
QUIT: Anti-craving drugs and/or ni****ne replacement therapy will lessen your urge to smoke. Resources are available to help you on your journey to a to***co-free life.
RELAPSE PREVENTION: Develop the ability to identify situations that may cause you to slip and learn new skills to prevent relapse.
STRESS MANAGEMENT: Find alternatives to reaching for to***co to cope with stress. To***co actually INCREASES the stress on your body – it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and constricts blood vessels, making your heart, kidneys, and other vital organs work harder.
What's the next step?
Being ready and wanting to quit is the most important part. You need to decide to give yourself the most precious gift a smoker can give to him or herself – a gift of life, health, and self-esteem – by becoming a nonsmoker. Treatment costs less than a pack of ci******es a day, and varies based on the personalized plan developed for each individual and his or her ability to pay.
