Smoking Causes More Than Lung Cancer
It is a myth that smoking-related diseases are restricted to cancer. Smoking is responsible for a variety of respiratory ailments that have caused millions of deaths each year.
Some of these ailments can only be controlled and not cured. They become lifelong illnesses that affects sufferers’ quality of life. Learning how to quit and do it is a remarkable goal that anyone can achieve.
If you think you cannot go it alone, the top lung consultant London will be with you each step of the way.
Smoking-Related Ailments
Lung cancer has long been associated with smoking but it is not the only cancer that is caused by this habit. A smoker is at risk of contracting nose, sinuses, voice box, and throat cancers as well as cancers located in the gastrointestinal, urinary, and female reproductive systems.
Also, smoking is considered the source for emphysema, chronic bronchitis as well as a variety of other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Left untrested these will cause significant morbidity and mortality.
It is difficult for non-medical professionals to diagnose COPD or empohysema due to the fact that the symptoms may not appear or they may be quite severe and lead to respiratory failure.
If you are a smoker and suffer from some of the following symptoms long-term cough, dyspnea or shortness of breath, sputum or a thick mucus, or chest tightness, you need to schedule an appointment with a respiratory consultant as quickly as possible.
It is also important to schedule an appointment with a respiratory consultant even if you do not experience any respiratory conditions but are still a smoker.
Effects From Cigars & Secondhand Smoke
Both of these situations seem harmless but in reality, they can cause a lot of health damage if one is not careful. Whether you inhale or not, you are still at risk of contracting oral, throat, laryngeal, and oesophagal cancers.
Secondhand smoke, whether from cigarettes or cigars can cause lung cancer. If children and babies are breathing in secondhand smoke, they are at risk of SIDS, Asthma, and ear infections.
Experience The Benefits Of Quitting Smoking
When it comes to living a smoke-free lifestyle, you will receive some great health benefits. The following list is not exclusive or extensive:
- Reduced chance of contracting lung disease, heart disease, & cancer
- Eliminate cigarette and cigar stains on fingers & teeth
- Reduced coughing
- Breathing becomes easier
- Eliminate cigar and cigarette odours
- Increase your sense of smell and taste
- Improve gum health
- Financial benefit
Tips To Help You Quit Smoking
Nicotine addiction is a very tough addiction to break but it can be done. The following tips will help you get started on the right path to ending that nicotine habit.
1. Quit for the right reasons- Make a list of all the reasons why you should quit.
2. Don’t make the process long-term- Make sure to set an early approaching quit date to avoid getting cold feet. Quit dates far into the future facilitate avoiding quitting smoking.
3. Avoid stressful times- When scheduling your quit date, pick a time when you will experience as little stress as possible.
4. Build a support base- Enlist your loved ones and friends for encouragement and support in this task.
5. Exercise- Start an exercise regime to help combat the urge to smoke as well as become healthier. Or continue the program you are on now.
6. Change your dietary habits- Create a healthier menu and snack habits which in turn help you to cope with quitting smoking.
7. Change your sleeping habits- Get plenty of rest so your body feels better and you have the energy to tackle the day without leaning on cigarettes as a crutch.
8. Look to support groups- These are groups of people beyond family and friends who have been where you are going. They can provide the advice and support you need to achieve your goal.
Get Medical Help To Quit
Support groups and family & friends are not always enough to help you quit smoking. While they are a good influence, you can keep their support by talking to your lung consultant in London and being prescribed medications that help reduce nicotine cravings.
When you combine the support you receive with these medications, you have a better chance of succeeding in your quest. Make sure to talk to your private respiratory medicine specialists about the following over-the-counter & prescription options:
Nicotine:
- Patch
- Gum
- Lozenge
- Nasal Spray
- Inhalator
Or you can ask to be prescribed for:
1. Bupropion- This anti-depressant medication works hard to alleviate nicotine cravings.
2. Varenicline tartrate- This is a medication that works to reduce any smoking pleasure you receive when you light up a cigarette or cigar.
You Do Not Have To Quit Alone
One of the best steps you can take is to contact London’s respiratory consultant and learn all the facts about smoking and its effects on your health. Whether you smoke or suffer in a secondhand smoking environment, contact our office today.
We will help you understand what smoking does and work with you to construct a healthy quit-smoking strategy. You do not have to travel this route alone and it pays to have professionals working with you. Contact us today and see how we can help you make your life healthier and better.