Smoking: seven methods help to stop smoking

                                
                              Nicotine patches, gum and nasal spray are alternatives to


Who tried already know that quitting smoking is not easy. However, the Ministry of Health data show a light at the end of the tunnel: according to the survey Risk Factors Surveillance and Protection for Chronic Diseases Survey Telephone (Vigitel), the percentage of smokers in the country increased from 16, 2% in 2006 to 14.8% in 2012. this is the first time that this index is below 15%.


Various methods can be used to stop smoking, since the abrupt halt to the product support base nicotine replacement therapies calls. "Several factors influence the choice of method, such as motivation, fears about quitting smoking and symptoms of anxiety," says psychologist and expert on smoking Sabrina Presman, the Brazilian Studies Association of Alcohol and Other Drugs (ABEAD). According to the expert, an effective treatment approach involves three aspects: physical, psychological and behavioral. "In addition to around abstinence (physical), you need to unlink the cigarette emotions like joy or sadness (psychological) and habits such as drinking coffee or driving (behavior)," he says. Only a thorough medical evaluation is able to indicate the optimal treatment for each patient. Are you interested and want to know more about the methods available? In the National Day Against Tobacco (August 29), check the guidance of experts:

                       

Nicotine gum

The chewing gum made nicotine base should be used when patients with withdrawal symptoms or intense desire to smoke. "To be chewed, the gum deliver nicotine gradually and this is absorbed by the oral mucosa, with peak in 20 minutes," explains cardiologist Roberto Cury, the Pasteur Laboratory in São Paulo. In this case, the action of nicotine in the body is different from when it is inhaled in cigarette smoke, as will be deposited into the bloodstream in small doses in order to control the addiction. The psychologist and expert on smoking Sabrina Presman, the Brazilian Alcohol and Other Drugs Study Association (ABEAD) says that an important factor for the use of these chewing gum is effective is its technique of use. "They should not be chewed as a common gum, but chewed a few times until the taste of nicotine becomes apparent, after which should be deposited the gum between gum and cheek until the taste disappears," he says. "The same cycle of chewing gum and deposit must be repeated until no more 30 minutes of use, when it should be neglected."

The cardiologist Roberto says that nicotine chewing gum is contraindicated in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, poor dentition or gingivitis and pregnant women. "In the case of mothers, it is known that nicotine is associated with the birth of low birth weight babies, should be excluded all nicotine during pregnancy," says Sabrina psychologist. "However, the use of nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gums, it is still safer than continuing to smoke." Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, cough, excess salivation and irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa. Also, drink fluids while chewing gum can "wash" oral nicotine, making the product ineffective.

                              

Nicotine lozenges

Similar to the chewing gum, nicotine lozenges also release the substance gradually and shall be used below the tongue. "The inserts require a higher dose for patients who smoke their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking," says cardiologist Roberto. Why not require chewing, it can be used in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders or poor dentition, but other contraindications are the same as gum. "Nicotine lozenges can be used for up to three months and the side effects are similar to the gum." Ideally, the tablet is moved from one side to the other of the mouth until completely dissolved, and is used when the patient feel like smoking, not exceeding the daily amount indicated on the label.

                           

Nicotine patches

In order to further enhance tobacco abstinence rates, transdermal nicotine adhesives were developed. "They should be used constantly and changed every 24 hours, without interfering with the activities of the individual," explains the expert Sabrina smoking. The cardiologist Roberto says that they are suitable for all people who want to quit smoking, having no formal contraindication, with the exception for pregnant women. The use of adhesives replacement must be done during 45 to 90 days, and the dosage depends on how the person cigarettes smoked per day. Among the side effects are the presence of skin irritation, which can prevent the continuation of treatment. "Common side effects due to use at night are insomnia and nightmares, in this case the adhesive must be removed before sleeping," says the cardiologist.

                                   


nicotine nasal spray

The nasal spray delivers an aqueous solution of nicotine in the nasal mucosa with rapid absorption and peak 10 minutes when compared to the gum and lozenge. Its use is recommended for up to three months. It should be administered one or two doses per hour, without exceeding the number of five doses per hour or 40 doses per day. "Its most common side effects are nasal irritation and oropharynx, rhinitis and lacrimation, and 94% of users have some nasal irritation sign in the first two days," says cardiologist Roberto. However, none of these effects justifies the suspension of treatment. The product can be used in conjunction with other forms of reset, as medically indicated. ? Most patients using an average of 15 doses per day, decreasing the number of doses over time ?, said Sabrina.

                       


bupropion

Originally an antidepressant medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of smoking. Its effect in the fight against tobacco was discovered in studies for their effects against depression, in which the participants declared decreased desire to smoke. Unlike nicotine replacement therapies mentioned above, smokers should start using bupropion one week before the withdrawal. "It is administered by oral tablets and acts on the central nervous system and is not recommended that person to smoke during treatment," explains cardiologist Roberto. The most common side effects are insomnia, restlessness, dry mouth and headache. Experts point out that bupropion may be used in conjunction with other replacement therapies such as nicotine gum, but regardless of whether provided individually or not, asks for medical care.

                           


abrupt halt

  Some people choose not to use any kind of therapy or medication to stop the addiction, opting only for the immediate stop - which is to set a date to kick the habit and, come the day, have no saved cigarette and stop using. "It is important in this situation that the patient receives counseling to achieve successfully abstaining from smoking without recurrence of addiction," explains Roberto Cury. The main side effects immediate stop can be gained weight and anxiety.

                        


gradual stop

The method of gradual stop is to reduce the number of cigarettes over the day or so delay the time of the first cigarette. "With the gradual stop, you have a lower risk of withdrawal, but success is often dependent on the medical and psychological support," says cardiologist Roberto. The reduction depends on the amount that the patient smokes. "A smoker 30 cigarettes per day, for example, can reduce five cigarettes each day, one week after ceasing completely" explains Sabrina Presman. Or, a person who starts smoking at 9am will delaying in two hours your first cigarette each day, reaching the seventh day without cigarettes. "The gradual strategy should not last more than two weeks, it can become a way to delay, not to quit smoking," says Sabrina. The most important thing is to set a date for it is your first day of a former smoker.

Also remember that smoking cigarettes low levels is not a good alternative, since all tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, cigarette Bali, cigarillos, hookahs, etc.) are harmful to health. To signal difficulties, the patient may opt for nicotine replacement therapies associated with the gradual stop.

                          

Electronic cigarette

The marketing of the electronic cigarette is prohibited in Brazil. According to expert in smoking Sabrina Presman, the internal cartridge of these products contain nicotine, the same substance of ordinary cigarettes is addictive, although the manufacturers allege that the smoke is just water vapor. The National Health Surveillance Agency says there is no evidence that the device has some use in the smoking cessation process. "As this is an unregulated product, there is no way to know in fact what are the substances present in these cigarettes or if they can bring harm," says Sabrina. The cardiologist Roberto says there are studies on electronic cigarettes that have shown long-term benefit, but problems and breathing problems in users.