About this topic
You may have started smoking when you were much younger. As an adult, you may smoke regularly. It is possible to become addicted to smoking. The longer you have been smoking, the harder it is to give up. ‚
Most people have heard of the dangers of smoking. It is helpful to your health if you stop smoking. It also helps the health of others. ‚
General
Older smokers are at high risk from smoking. The longer you have smoked, the more toxins you have been exposed to. Toxins are the bad chemicals in the tobacco. As someone who has smoked for a long time, you are more likely to have illnesses related to smoking. ‚
It is never too late to quit smoking. It helps your health even at an older age. You will begin to notice changes soon after you stop smoking. Here are some steps you can take to help you quit smoking: ‚
- Set a date to quit smoking.
- Pay attention to when you smoke now and why you are smoking. Some people find it helpful to write down each time you smoke. Include the hour and what you are doing. This will let you plan ahead about what you will do instead of smoking during those times.
- Slowly reduce your smoking until your quit date.
- Remove cigar and other tobacco products from your home, car, and workplace.
- Avoid places and situations where you are more likely to smoke. If people close to you smoke, ask them to quit with you.
- Reward or treat yourself every time you do not smoke. Do not use food as a reward. Perhaps place the cost of the cigarette you did not smoke into a collection jar and save the change towards a special occasion or reward.
- Ask your doctor for help.
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What will the results be?
When you start to quit: ‚
- Blood flow improves right away.
- Your lungs become more active.
- Heart rate and blood pressure lower.
- You have less chance of having a heart attack.
- You will help others be healthy since they are not around secondhand smoke.
After a few days to weeks: ‚
- Food tastes and smells better.
- Your lungs begin to work better.
- Breathing becomes easier.
After a few weeks to months: ‚
- You have more energy.
- Lungs become clear and work better.
- You are less likely to get colds and other lung infections.
- Shortness of breath decreases.
- Clogging of sinuses decreases.
When you have fully stopped smoking, after a while you will: ‚
- Lower the risk of lung cancer
- Lower the risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, voice box, bladder, pancreas, cervix, and kidney
- Lower the risk of heart illnesses like stroke and heart attack
- Preserve your eyesight and the look of your teeth and aging skin
- Lessen the risk for having type 2 diabetes
- Reverse bone loss
- Lessen the risk of postop problems
- Lessen the risk of peptic ulcer and improve healing if ulcer is already there
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Thoroughly wash and remove all ashtrays from your home and office.
- Exercise regularly. This may help to lower stress. Going for a walk is good exercise.
- Watch your eating habits and avoid gaining weight. Eat healthy foods and snacks to keep a healthy weight
- Change your daily routine. Try to change things. Eat breakfast at a different place or drink tea instead of coffee.
- Try to relax. Listen to music, meditate, do yoga or breathing exercises, take a relaxing bath or hot shower.
- Control your thoughts and emotions. Write or record a journal, create new hobbies, and think positive.
- Connect with family and friends. Talk to a friend, get a pet, share your problems with family members, and participate in your community.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with withdrawal signs
- Reduce your urges to smoke
Gums, lozenges, and skin patches may be given as a substitute for tobacco. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
It helps to have other people to support you when you are trying to quit smoking. Talk to your family and friends about how they can best help you. You may also want to think about support groups or counseling. ‚
What problems could happen?
You may have withdrawal signs like: ‚
- Trouble sleeping
- Being irritable
- Being anxious or restless
- Getting frustrated or angry
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Low mood
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Feel very nervous
- Low mood
- Have behavioral changes
- Think about harming or killing yourself
- Have unexpected side effects from any prescribed drugs
Helpful tips
- Commit yourself to stop smoking.
- Focus on your goals and work to achieve them.
Where can I learn more?
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ‚
http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/prevention/lifestyle/tobacco/helpsmokers.html ‚
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002971-pdf.pdf ‚
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/facts-figures/smoking-and-older-adults.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/ ‚
http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/media/pdf/HealthyAgingSmoking.pdf ‚
Smoke Free ‚
http://www.smokefree.gov/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚