I have tried to quit smoking time and time again, but I am never successful. What do I need to do in order to quit smoking for good?

Quitting smoking can be a difficult thing to do.   About 70% of people who smoke want to quit smoking and only about 4-7% will successfully quit smoking (cold turkey) without any help or medication.  Approximately, 25-33% will be successful and off cigarettes for at least 6 months when using medications to help. Up to 40% of people who smoke and participate in smoking cessation programs successfully quit smoking and stay off cigarettes for at least one year. Success rates may seem low but do not get discouraged, everyone is not always successful on their first try.

It is important to understand that smoking is an addiction caused by the nicotine in cigarettes. It can be as addictive as cocaine and alcohol. Because your body becomes dependent on smoking, your body makes it difficult for you to quit.  If you have tried to quit before, and were not successful, please DO NOT GIVE UP!   Try again in a few weeks and reflect on the past experience or experiences to help you be successful this time.

If you have not tried nicotine replacement therapy or medications yet, it is definitely something to look into.  There are over-the-counter nicotine replacement agents and prescribed medications that can help you quit. Some of the over-the-counter medications are the Nicotine patch, gum or lozenges.  Some of the prescribed medications are Zyban, Wellbutrin, Chantix, Nicotine inhaler and Nicotine nasal spray.  Please consult with your physician if you are considering trying any of these.

Look for support! Your support system can greatly impact your outcome. People who have a good support system have a higher success rate.  Tell your family and friends that you are quitting and ask them to help and support you.  Find someone to lean on and call when you feel that you may be giving in to a cigarette.  This person should be aware that you are trying to quit and know that you will call him/her when you are feeling weak.  Look for support groups close to you.   Support groups give you the opportunity to share and learn experiences with others that are going through the same thing as you.

Finally, look for a smoking cessation program close to you. A smoking cessation program will provide you with all the information and support necessary to help you be successful in quitting.  It will address topics such as coping skills, medications, nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine dependence, quitting skills, recovery and relapse prevention and stress management.

Provena Mercy Medical Center offers a “Freedom from Smoking” cessation program. Please feel free to call 1-866-PROVENA to obtain information on the next available clinic and register. 

Answer submitted by Maria E. Iniguez, RN at Provena Mercy Medical Center – Center for Diabetic Wellness  Certified Freedom from Smoking Facilitator.

I have had asthma since childhood. Are there things I can do to prevent my kids from developing it too?

The risk of developing asthma is the result of complex interactions between environmental factors and genes. There is clearly a hereditary component, and scientists have just recently discovered specific genes that seems to increase the risk of developing asthma. Researchers have also identified specific environmental influences, including exposure to cigarette smoke. There is some controversy, but many believe that exposure to dust, molds, cockroach allergen, and animal dander may also increase incidence of asthma. There is some evidence to suggest that our modern energy efficient homes, which are more “airtight”, increase exposure to these allergens, and this may be partially responsible for increasing incidence of asthma in the general population.

 To specifically answer your question regarding possible interventions, there are not a lot of active steps that you can take. They have an inherited risk, which cannot be influenced. General personal hygiene, with reduced exposure to dust, molds, and cockroach allergen would theoretically be helpful. The same could be said towards exposure to dog and cat dander, but this has not specifically been proven.

Answer submitted by Dr. Jonathan R. Doud who specializes in Pulmonary Medicine.  Dr. Doud is currently with Dreyer Medical Clinic and a member of the Provena Mercy Medical Center medical staff.

Is There a Relationship Between Allergies and Asthma?

There is actually a very strong relationship between asthma and allergies. A majority of individuals with asthma also have allergies.  About three-fourths of adults with asthma are allergic to one or more common indoor allergens (eg, cockroach, cat, dog, mites). For the individual with asthma, this has very important implications. Poorly controlled allergies are often cited as the reason for ongoing asthma symptoms that don’t respond well to conventional therapy. Often times, the addition of specific allergy medication, either oral antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays, can markedly improve not only the allergy symptoms but also reduce asthma symptoms.  This also explains why many individuals with intermittent asthma only experience their airway symptoms (wheezing, chest tightness, and cough) during the spring and fall, when seasonal allergies are more prevalent. Therefore, it is important for people with asthma to recognize this association, and this will often help them better manage their asthma.

Answer submitted by Dr. Jonathan R. Doud who specializes in Pulmonary Medicine.  Dr. Doud is currently with Dreyer Medical Clinic and a member of the Provena Mercy Medical Center medical staff.