Quitting smoking - it is completely possible

Smoking is linked to more than 25 serious diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and metabolic disease. But the good news is that quitting, even if you’ve smoked for years, can have significant health benefits—and more importantly, it’s entirely possible.

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According to Dr. Nguyen Trang Thuy, pharmacist at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, when quitting smoking, smokers may experience unpleasant symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating. Some cases also experience temporary depression. However, these reactions are normal and can be controlled. If they find it too difficult, smokers should inform their doctor for psychological support or medication to reduce symptoms. Doctors can support with medication to help reduce nicotine cravings, or alternative therapies such as patches, lozenges, gum, nasal sprays, and inhalers. Other prescription drugs such as varenicline or bupropion also help increase the success rate of quitting smoking, especially when combined with medical advice.

Experts also confirm that quitting smoking not only helps prolong life, but also significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, osteoporosis and infection. After just 24 hours of not smoking, the body begins to eliminate carbon monoxide, the lungs start their self-cleaning mechanism. After 1-9 months, respiratory function improves significantly; and after 1-2 years, the risk of myocardial infarction is reduced by 50%.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is completely possible if you have a specific plan. Dr. Nguyen Trang Thuy advises: “People who want to quit smoking should set a clear start date, notify family and friends for support, and completely remove cigarettes from their home, car and workplace.”

Some people worry that quitting smoking may cause a slight weight gain, but this is usually temporary. Regular exercise, eating plenty of vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep will help control weight and reduce stress. Most importantly, be persistent - most successful people have failed a few times before.

For pregnant women, quitting smoking becomes even more urgent. Nicotine and cigarette smoke can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the fetus, causing premature birth, low birth weight or birth defects. Your doctor will advise you on the safest methods for you and your baby.

In recent years, many people have turned to e-cigarettes, believing that this is a "stepping stone" to help them quit traditional cigarettes. However, experts warn: e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and many other toxic chemicals, which can cause addiction and lung damage.

“There is no evidence that e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than proven medical methods,” Dr. Thuy emphasized.

Experts say that whether you have smoked for 5 years or 30, quitting today is a big deal. Your body is more resilient than you think. Start small, seek medical help when you need it, and believe that quitting is possible - and worth it for your health and the health of your family.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/cai-thuoc-la-viec-hoan-toan-co-the-post884656.html