Monday, February 1, 2010

5 Deadly Diseases Caused by Smoking

Smoking is the unhealthiest of all habits and has many fatal outcomes. Many fatal diseases are caused because of smoking besides cancer. Some of the diseases caused by smoking do not lead to death but make life hell because of associated symptoms. A quick search for pictures of smoking diseases in Google will lead to some gruesome results and reveal the ugly side of smoking. In fact if you make a habit to look at the pictures of a smoking disease called gangrene, you might be never tempted to light up another cigarette in your life. Read on to know more about gangrene and other diseases caused by smoking.

1) Gangrene – This disease is caused by smoking due to peripheral vascular disease, a condition wherein the arteries that carry blood to legs or arms become partially or totally blocked by the buildup of fatty material. Smokers are two and a half times more likely to develop this disease than a non-smoker

2) Cancer – Smoking causes cancer of lungs, mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, kidneys and esophagus. These cancers are caused due to carcinogens in cigarettes

3) Cardiovascular diseases – Diseases related to the heart, blood vessels of the heart and blood vessels including arteries and veins are a major cause of death. Nicotine present in tobacco increases the cholesterol levels in the blood, leads to fatty deposits in the arteries, which causes hardening and blocking of arteries, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Common cardiovascular diseases found in smokers are coronary thrombosis, cerebral thrombosis, coronary heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke

4) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – It causes health problems such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is breathlessness that is caused by damage to air sacs. Chronic bronchitis results in frequent coughing with a lot of mucus. Smoking is to blame for about 80% of COPD cases. These diseases make day to day living very difficult

5) Macular degeneration – This disease is caused by excessive smoking and results in gradual loss of eyesight. Smoking also causes cataract and other eye problems as it affects blood flow to the eyes

Smoking also worsens asthma, blood pressure problems, fertility rate and many other aspects of health which affects your day-to-day life.

To quit smoking, use latest quit smoking drug Chantix.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Effects of Smoking cessation

Effects of Smoking cessation and the drugs therein

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already warned about smoking effects that have become a leading cause of preventable deaths and diseases among people throughout the world. Smoking effects are visible in the form of various cancers and other serious illnesses. For boosting smoking cessation and helping more and more people to become free from smoking effects, Chantix is one of the drugs.

If you believe the estimated figures given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8.6 million people suffer from serious smoking effects and diseases out of an estimated 44.5 million adult smokers in the United States alone. Therefore, smoking cessation has become the need of hour.

Plan to quit smoking

It’s important to prepare your mind for a life as a non-smoker. Once you have decided on smoking cessation, half the battle is won because you can kick the habit only if you are mentally sure that you want to. Therefore, think positively and make up your mind to avail the benefits of smoking cessation. Once you are mentally prepared, you can choose a suitable drug that is available on the market for your quit smoking help.

Smoking cessation drugs

With the approval of Chantix by the FDA, many smokers have been able to quit smoking successfully. Although there are others drugs also, you can buy Chantix for smoking cessation after a consultation with a doctor who will check your suitability for the drug.

Once you have decided to quit smoking, you can seek help from various smoking cessation sources. There are many online sources that provide smoking cessation help and support to active smokers who want to quit smoking. You can also join a smoking cessation program online. Nowadays, various governments and volunteers provide active help to people who want to quit smoking in the form of quit smoking programs.

Smoking cessation benefits

Some of the instant health benefits of quit smoking are improvement in blood pressure level, pulse rate drops to normal and the temperature in your extremities come down to normal. You can experience the positive effects of quit smoking in a timeline of 20 minutes. And after 8 hours, your oxygen level increases and the carbon dioxide level decreases. Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, your chances of a heart attack are greatly diminished.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Learn about the damaging effects of smoking on health

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that smoking effects are perhaps one of the greatest causes of death and disease worldwide. An estimated 5 million people die every year throughout the world because of smoking effects. Without doubt, there is a strong need to fully assess the impact of smoking effects on the health of people as well a plethora of quit smoking benefits that a non-smoker can derive. Knowing about various quit smoking benefits can help the smokers to kick the habit for better health options.

It has become mandatory for every cigarette packet to carry the warning, ‘Smoking is injurious to health,’ but the seriousness of this warning is often neglected by people who can’t seem to give up the addiction. With approximately 25 serious diseases associated with smoking effects, quit smoking benefits would any day far outweigh the damaging effects on health that smoking has.

Smoking and heart attack

Cigarettes contain the addictive nicotine as their main ingredient. Due to the strong nicotine addiction, many smokers find it difficult to quit smoking even if they are aware of the serious quit smoking side effects and various quit smoking benefits.

Various studies conducted to evaluate the more serious smoking effects on the health of people have concluded that smokers are more likely to have a heart attack than non-smokers. Cigarettes contain tobacco, which contributes to hardening and clogging of the arteries, leading to inadequate blood flow to the heart, thus causing a heart attack. If you continue smoking over a period of time, a stroke is very likely to occur.

Smoking and lung problems

The primary health risk that comes to our mind when we think about serious smoking effects on health is lung cancer. It kills an estimated 150,000 people a year in the US alone. According to various studies conducted in the US from time to time, most smokers increase their chances of dying young due to lung cancer; for men the risk is exaggerated by 22 times and by 12 times for women smokers.

Other smoking effects

Smoking effects can cause other health problems like uterine, bladder, kidney, stomach and cervical cancers including leukemia. Moreover, second hand smoke is also harmful for children. Smoking during pregnancy greatly increases the risk of miscarriage, leads to lower birth weight babies and may also lead to inhibited child development.

Although the health risks of smoking are endless, kicking the habit can yield several positives on the health front. Smokers can yield instant quit smoking benefits regardless of their age, or the length of time they have been smoking.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Advantages and disadvantages of Chantix

In spite of facing powerful competition from nicotine replacement therapies (nicotine patches, gums and lozenges), other smoking cessation drugs, as well as a plethora of other treatment procedures, Chantix remains at the top because it is safe, easy to use and nicotine free. Therefore it becomes apparently clear that this drug provides some supplementary benefits that cannot be derived from other anti-smoking treatments.

Chantix is a quit smoking drug with an above average level of efficacy. Substantial clinical trials have proved that this drug is the most successful smoking cessation treatment for adult smokers; Chantix has successfully proved its efficacy. In fact, this drug has no match among the smoking cessation drugs that are currently on the market.

Chantix advantages are manifold as well as exclusive to the drug and its functional process remains at the top of all the Chantix advantages. The objective of this quit smoking drug is to provide the same pleasurable feeling that nicotine gives a smoker. Chantix targets the brain soon after ingestion and combines with the nicotine receptor cells. This induces nicotine like pleasure feelings and therefore intake of nicotine no longer remains a necessity. This is a major Chantix advantage as it helps the smoker give up cigarette smoking without experiencing any cravings.

It is clinically proven that this drug is safe and efficient. This makes this smoking cessation drug more preferable to other smoking cessation treatments. Amongst all the smoking cessation treatments, Chantix proves to be more affordable in the end and can be procured online too.

Although a hugely popular and safe drug, when you buy Chantix certain side effects may occur in people when ingested. Some of the commonly occurring Chantix side effects include nausea, sleep disorder, gas, sleeplessness, constipation, headache and loss of taste. Other, more serious Chantix side effects include general sleeping disorders and respiratory problems as well as allergic reactions like hives and swelling of the face. Since, Chantix tends to work by altering brain chemistry; it does carry a certain risk of enhancing mood and behaviour changes.

When the continuous craving for nicotine cannot be dealt with individually it becomes extremely essential to adopt a suitable counter measure so that you can get rid of your nicotine addiction and ensure successful smoking cessation – where the chief objective is to overcome a continuous craving for nicotine.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Chantix vs. Zyban – Comparison between two leading prescription drugs

Chantix and Zyban are the two popular prescription medicines which help smokers break their smoking habit. Although, both these quit smoking medications work towards a common goal, they differ from each other in more ways than one.

Varenicline is a smoking cessation pill which has been particularly designed to reduce nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms that are commonly found in smokers who are in the process of quitting smoking. Varenicline works by blocking the very receptors in the brain that are linked to nicotine addiction. While bupropion was primarily an antidepressant that was later approved for use as a smoking cessation medicine. In fact, the comparative study shows that varenicline, even in lower dosages, is far more effective than bupropion; it performs better in the short term as well as in the long term.

The Chantix vs. Zyban study reveals some interesting differences. Chantix vs. Zyban differences include:

• While Chantix is manufactured by Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline manufactures Zyban
• Varenicline is a smoking cessation medicine while Bupropion is an aid to smoking cessation treatment
• Chantix was approved on May 11, 2006 while Zyban was approved on May 14, 1997, by the FDA
• While varenicline is designed to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, bupropion was primarily designed to treat a condition called major depressive disorder
• Chantix blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain while Zyban’s ability to help patients abstain from smoking is unknown
• Varenicline tartrate is the active ingredient in Chantix while the active ingredient in Zyban is bupropion hydrochloride
• A 12 week smoking cessation study shows a success rate of 44% for varenicline and 29.5 % for bupropion
• 1 year study shows 22% abstinence with Chantix and 16% abstinence with Zyban
• While the varenicline dosage is 1mg twice daily, Bupropion is 150mg twice daily, which is comparatively much higher and yet less effective
• Varenicline must not be used in combination with other smoking cessation medicines while a combination treatment of bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy may be prescribed

Having mentioned all the major varenicline advantages over Bupropion, you should buy Chantix to quit smoking because it is the only approved drug that can facilitate the process of quitting without the nagging withdrawal symptoms. If you buy Chantix to quit smoking, it will convince your brain that you have the amount of nicotine you want – without actually having it. If you decide to buy Chantix, a nicotine-free treatment, to quit smoking, you can easily find it in all accredited pharmacies as well as online, throughout the US, but only with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Nicotine replacement aids, Chantix and Zyban – Your guide to quit smoking

The best quit smoking aid is your own will and determination. You have to be motivated and committed enough to kick the habit, otherwise no quit smoking aid can help you. If you are ready to quit, any of the quit smoking aids might work well for you. Most of the quit smoking aids are so designed that they help people quit smoking gradually. Choosing one that is right for you is essentially a matter of preference, barring any medical concerns you might have. It is therefore a good idea to check with your doctor about a quit smoking aid that will work best for you.

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) which include nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, nicotine patches as well as nicotine lozenges provide you with a measured dose of nicotine to help ease the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Unlike cigarettes, NRTs contain only nicotine, which when used as directed, allow you to withdraw from the debilitating effects of nicotine by gradually reducing the amount in each dose. Get quit smoking help online for free.

The nicotine patch resembles a square tan or clear bandage. The size depends on the dosage and brand used, but generally it is a square piece of about 1-2 inches. The nicotine patch provides a steady, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day; the patch strength is reduced over time, helping you wean off of nicotine gradually. The nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers and nicotine lozenges have a similar mechanism of action as the nicotine patch. But as the nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, nicotine lozenges and the patch contain nicotine – the addictive component in tobacco – a certain risk of re-addiction is involved. However, when used with care, it can be a safe and comfortable way to quit smoking.

Quit smoking aids like Chantix and Zyban available now do not use nicotine as an active ingredient. Bupropion hydrochloride, marketed under the names Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL by GlaxoSmithKline, is an anti-depressant drug that also works as a smoking cessation aid. It has been shown to reduce physical withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine.

Discovered and developed by Pfizer, varenicline tartrate is marketed by the name of Chantix, which has the unique ability to partially activate nicotinic receptors in the brain, reducing nicotine craving in people who have quit smoking. Additionally, if a person does smoke during the treatment, Chantix impedes any kind of satisfaction gained from smoking by blocking the nicotine receptors.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Quit Smoking: For a good cause

If you are thinking about quitting, then you are on the right track. Smoking is injurious to ones health is there is a statutory warning that is written on every pack of cigarettes. Still smoking is the most common habit among people worldwide.

Why to quit smoking?

It’s very important you evaluate all the pros of quit smoking and cons of smoking before deciding about the quit smoking date. Just list the health benefits that you will get after quitting smoking. Not only health benefits think about the financial benefits as well.

There are numerous health benefits that are associated with quitting smoking successfully. You will feel healthier than before with better concentration levels. Your sense of smell and taste will get better and the food you eat will be tastier. By quitting and not smoking again, you can set an example and become a role model for your friends, family, children, and even co-workers.

The immediate effects of quitting smoking are generally hard to overcome for most of the smokers. The withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings for nicotine can make their life difficult. But with the help of any suitable quit smoking aids, these symptoms can be reduced.

What are the ways to quit smoking?

There are many ways that can help you quit smoking once for all. If you are a strong willed person, you can go cold turkey way. Generally, most people opt for nicotine replacement therapies to reduce their cravings for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms after they quit smoking. The small doses of nicotine are injected through patches, gums, nasal sprays, and lozenges to help them reduce these symptoms. But there are drawbacks of nicotine therapy, as most people revert to smoking after some time.

The nicotine free treatments can be quite helpful, as these don’t inject any trace of nicotine in any form. A few examples of nicotine free treatment for quit smoking include Zyban and Chantix.

Zyban helps to reduce the physical withdrawal symptoms that appear after quitting smoking. But another drug, Chantix can help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms as well as string nicotine cravings. Chantix is available in the US where you can get it on a valid prescription of a doctor only.

Chantix is a quit smoking medication that can help you quit but you should take it under proper medical care. It is quite different from other quit smoking aids and effective as well. Chantix works in two ways – it targets nicotine receptors in the brain and blocks nicotine from reaching them. It mimics the effects of nicotine, thus activating the receptors without actually providing them any trace of nicotine.

Chantix is a useful treatment but you should start it about a week before you actually stop smoking. This will provide a type of build up in the body for a long treatment with Chantix that is generally recommended for a period of 12 weeks. The results can be quite visible during the end of treatment itself, but for people who still get the cravings for cigarettes may be asked to repeat the treatment for another 12 weeks.