Smoking
Description
A physical and psychological addictive disorder. Smoking causes cancer, breathing problems, heart attacks, and stroke. Secondhand smoke causes asthma and breathing problems. Cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals including: tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide.
Symptoms
Chronic cough, bad breath, stained fingers, shortness of breath.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify damage done by the smoking may be performed.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at helping the patient quit smoking. Group and family support can help. Smoking-cessation drugs and many nicotine-replacement therapies can be effective for some patients. The medications include: varenicline (Chantix), nicotine gum, nicotine patches and/or nicotine nasal sprays.
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Research
News
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