Nicotine Replacement Therapy, helps the smokers to manage their withdrawal symptoms by providing a source of nicotine that are safer and healthier than cigarettes.
It is very difficult for smokers to quit smoking. If a person quits then the/she can feel withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, a high craving for nicotine, drowsiness, restless, increased weight gain and appetite, headaches, concentration is hampered, irritable and frustrated. Nicotine in cigarette increases chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in their brains. Quitting smoking lowers the level of these chemicals which in turn shows the withdrawal symptoms.
Are nicotine patches and chewing gum safe?
Here’s what you need to know:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy, helps the smokers to manage their withdrawal symptoms by providing a source of nicotine that are safer and healthier than cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapy is given in the form of nicotine gums, patches, tablets, lozenges, nasal sprays and inhalers. This helps for a smoker to reduce and gradually stop smoking. This therapy contains one-third to one-half the amount of nicotine which is found in cigarettes.
Smokers prefer to quit smoking gradually rather than quitting it at a go. That’s where Nicotine Replacement Therapy will help them help them do so. Also, it is safe.
Nicotine patches:
These can be directly applied on the skin. These patches provide a continuous level of drug in the body. They usually come in various strengths. You should ask your doctor before starting the nicotine patch and use as directed by the doctor. These patches are available by prescription as well as over the counter.
How are these patches used?
Apply the patch on a hairless area of the skin as directed on the pack. See to it that you do not apply it on broken or irritable skin. After applying the patch wash your hands properly. Also if the patch becomes loose then replace it with other patch. You can wear the patch for 16-24 hours. Do not use it for more than 24 hours as your skin may get irritated. Do not use a nicotine patch if you are allergic to any ingredient in the patch. Those who are below 18 years or with skin allergies and pregnant women are advised not to use them.
Nicotine gum:
It is oldest form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Procedure: chew the gum till its peppery/mint taste goes then park it between your gums and cheek. The nicotine in this is absorbed by the mucous membrane in the mouth. Nicotine gums are used for the first three months after you quit smoking. It does have some side-effects like faster heartbeat, throat infection, hiccups and discomfort in the jaws.
Nicotine lozenges:
They are like candies which melt in your tongue and delivers nicotine.
Advantages of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):
1. It helps smokers to quit smoking gradually.
2. Smoking during pregnancy is not safe for the health of the mother and the baby. NRT is safer than to continue smoking. Nicotine gums, lozenges, sprays and inhalers are preferred over patches. This is done so that to reduce the nicotine exposure to the baby.
3. It helps in maintaining the proper health by quitting smoking.
4. Smoking affects the heart and causes heart problems. NRT helps in reducing the heart-related problems.
5. Kids are protected when you stop smoking because they are not exposed to smoking.
6. Reduces the chances of cancers.
Smoking comes with numerous dangers to the body. So it is better to quit smoking than to suffer the health-related problems. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is safer and can be used to gradually reduce the cigarette smoking and finally quit smoking.
— Content has been provided by Oxygen Media. To know more visit: www.oxygenliving.com and www.lifespanindia.com;
Also visit: www.dnaindia.com
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