It’s Never Too Late To Quit Smoking

More than 400,000 deaths occur each year as a result of cigarette smoking. While some may believe that smokers put only themselves at risk, secondhand smoke for others also is a cause of death, mainly from heart disease. Secondhand smoke is responsible for approximately 40,000 deaths a year. Smoking can also put an unborn baby at risk for complications. Quitting and staying away from smoking is difficult, but there are several ways to help achieve that goal.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

• It reduces the chances of developing or dying from heart disease, lung disease, stroke or cancer.
• It reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
• It reduces the risk of developing sexual problems and also helps keep your skin looking younger.
• The rate of decline in lung function is slower among people who quit smoking than among those who continue to smoke.

Is it too late for me to quit? I smoke a lot!

• No, it is never too late to quit. However, the sooner you quit, the greater the benefits. You can quit at any age. Also, the ability to quit is not dependent on how much one has smoked.  

Will I gain weight upon quitting?

• Some people might gain weight upon quitting. However the benefits of quitting outweigh this problem. A good diet and exercise with quitting will avoid any weight gain. 

What are the symptoms of withdrawal upon quitting smoking?

• Withdrawal symptoms result when the body becomes devoid of the chemicals such as nicotine in a smoke.  
• Withdrawal symptoms may include being irritable, anxious or restless; getting easily frustrated or having trouble sleeping. Sometimes depression also can be a symptom.

How Can I Start My Quitting Journey?

Smoking can easily be given up with your determination. Learn about "START":
S: Set a quit date.
T: Tell family, friends, co-workers and other people that you plan to quit.
A: Anticipate or plan ahead for difficult times during time of quitting.
R: Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your environment like home, car and work.
T: Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.

Medicines

Nicotine replacement therapy reduces the craving for nicotine and helps with withdrawal symptoms. Products include skin patches, lozenges, nasal sprays and inhalers as well as electronic cigarettes. There are also several prescription medications available to reduce craving which can be given to you by your doctor.

The chances of quitting are better with a team effort with you, guidance from your health counselor and your health care provider. To increase your chance of quitting, avoid being close to smokers and places associated with smoking. Studies have shown that it takes few attempts before getting successful in quitting smoking.

So get started to a healthier way of life and quit smoking. Bristol Hospital’s pulmonary medicine team is committed to helping with your quit plan. 

Shweta Upadhyay, MD, is a member of the medical staff of the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group, Inc., and she specializes in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Dr. Upadhyay’s office is located at 25 Newell Road, Suite D-21, Bristol, and she can be reached at 860.314.6020.