Smoking

Question 1

What are the benefits of stopping smoking

Answer 1

20 minutes Pulse return to normal.

8 hours Oxygen levels return to normal and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce by half.

48 hours Carbon monoxide is almost eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out smoking debris. The ability to taste and smell improves.

72 hours Breathing is easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2–12 weeks Circulation improves.

3–9 months Coughing and wheezing declines.

1 year Excess risk of heart attack reduces by half.
10 years Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a continuing smoker.

15 years Risk of heart attack falls to the same level as someone who has never smoked.

Question 2

What are withdrawal symptoms expected, mental and physical - 4

Answer 2

• irritability
• Anxiety
• weight gain due to increased appetite
• difficulty concentrating
• restlessness

Question 3

what are non-pharmacological options available

Answer 3

There are many NHS stop smoking services including:

• Smokefree national helpline
• NHS website
• QUIT (a national charity)

Question 4

What are pharmacological support options - 3

Answer 4

• nicotine replacement therapy
• varenicline (partial nicotinic receptor agonist so relieves symptoms)
• bupropion (selective dopa and NA reuptake inhibitor. unclear how it helps smoking but it does)

Question 5

If a person is not ready to quit smoking, what are harm reduction methods we can use- 4

Answer 5

• encourage cutting down and using NRT
• temporary abstinence
• talk through their smoking triggers and reasons for smoking
• talk through why their attempts to quit have failed

Question 6

What are key features of taking a smoking history- 3

Answer 6

• pack years
• why previous attempts have failed
• gage their understanding of the risks

Question 7

What is the most effective way to stop smoking

Answer 7

Abrupt stopping (different to alcohol)
Drug therapy + behavioural support