Get fired up against smoking

Manoj Kumar

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According to the recently released Global Adult Tobacco Survey, about 35 per cent of the adults in India consume tobacco in some form or the other. The estimated number of tobacco users in India is 27.5 crore. Among these are 16.37 crore users of smokeless tobacco, 6.9 crore smokers and 4.23 crore users of both smoking and smokeless tobacco.

Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of cancer, impotence, infertility, respiratory diseases and ageing. Given its life-long implications, it is crucial that efforts are made to help those who are looking for a way to quit smoking, but are unable to because of the severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that accompany it.

The nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is often used to help people quit smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco by reducing their cravings over a period of time. It entails the use of products that are easy replacements of cigarettes and chewable tobacco, because of the ability of these replacement products to supply low doses of nicotine to the body. Replacements used in the NRT include the adhesive patch, chewing gum, lozenges, nose spray and inhaler. All of these contain minimal amounts of nicotine and are free of other harmful toxins, such as tar, found in cigarettes. The NRT increases the chances of quitting smoking by about 50-70 per cent.

The NRT products may be available either over-the-counter or through a prescription from the doctor. The classification is typically made on basis the amount of nicotine that each product has and the way in which the nicotine is delivered into the body.

n Nicotine chewing gums: These chewing gums are easily available over-the-counter at most local pharmacies. A piece of nicotine gum is chewed briefly, allowed to rest in the mouth and then chewed again. This process enables the body to absorb the nicotine. Nicotine gums can be used for three months or up to a maximum of six months.

n Nicotine lozenges: Nicotine lozenges come in the form of candy and release nicotine into the circulatory system when chewed upon. Each lozenge lasts for a half an hour and can be used for a maximum of twelve weeks.

n Nicotine patches: The nicotine patch is a medication applied to one’s skin on a daily basis. The nicotine from the patch is delivered to one’s body through the skin. Nicotine patches are available in two variations, the 24-hour patch and a 16-hour patch and are typically used for approximately two to three months.

n Nicotine nasal spray: Nicotine nasal spray can be sprayed into one’s nostrils every few hours. It is typically used for two to three months, up to a maximum of six months.

n Nicotine inhaler: To decrease tobacco cravings, one can hold the nicotine inhaler to their mouth and inhale. The inhaler can be taken up to a maximum of six months. It is important that you keep reducing the inhaler usage as time passes.

All nicotine products may cause side effects making it necessary to consult your doctor before using these. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea and other digestive problems are more likely when you use them frequently and in high doses. People with existing lifestyle diseases, pregnant or nursing women or those on some particular medication are at high risk of complications and should use the NRT with caution and after consulting their physician. It is also important to not use the NRT for longer than six months.

The NRT alone can’t help one quit smoking for it only reduces cravings and tackles withdrawal symptoms. Having the will to quit and the right support system is crucial. It is also important to keep oneself fit and distracted. A few ways of doing so include:

• Develop a plan and work on it every day.
• Be physically active.
• Keep reminding yourself of the benefits.
• Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks.
• Be a part of a support group.
• Reward oneself consistently with things you like.

It is never too late to quit smoking irrespective of your age and how long or how much you have been smoking. Once you quit, the health benefits of it will be visible soon enough.

— The writer is head Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Balaji Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi