Smoking Cessation

In general patients who smoke when seen by their doctor if motivated to stop smoking are referred to the health visitor. They have literature and advice to help patients to stop smoking and can provide nicotine replacement therapy if appropriate. Recently a new drug has become available which is proving very useful and effective in helping patients stop and stay off cigarettes. If you are interested and motivated to give up smoking, then please discuss with your doctor or make an appointment with your health visitor.

 

An interesting new device that we have recently purchased is a carbon monoxide monitor. If a smoker blows into the monitor, the percentage of carbon monoxide in the blood is given in the form of carboxyhaemoglobin. This is the haemoglobin that cannot transport oxygen to the tissues and a high level is what is responsible for death in exhaust fume suicides. We have found that the demonstration of this high level in smokers is a powerful incentive when encouraging patients to stop, as is the absence of carbon monoxide in those that manage to stop. Not many patients would choose to inhale exhaust fumes, and most certainly not choose to expose their children (unborn or living) to the fumes!!!

 

There have recently been an number of exceptional articles related to the true cost of smoking. These articles are discussed along with the most effective ways to stop smoking. Have a look at The Human cost of a cigarette. Makes very sober reading.

 

Recent figures confirm that it is not very easy to stop smoking, but with professional support, the figures suggest the exercise is worth while. We will look at the age range as the impression is that older patients in general realise that "time is running out", and are possibly more determined to stop than younger patients.

 

30 smokers counselled: 20 male 10 female

failed to attend follow up appointments	19
not smoking after 3 months	8
not smoking after 6 months	4
not smoking after 12 months	3
numbers using nicotine patches	12
numbers using zyban	4
All non smokers after 1yr used zyban