Friday, May 31, 2024, today is World No Tobacco Day.

World Anti-Smoking Day is an anniversary designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987 to recognize health problems caused by people's tobacco use and promote smoking cessation worldwide, and various events and campaigns are underway.

Tobacco is a very dangerous substance that kills more than 8 million people every year, and its smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful substances, which are very harmful to the human body.

In particular, harmful substances in cigarettes stimulate the respiratory mucosa, causing inflammation, reducing lung function, and increasing the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.

In addition, elevated blood pressure, increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and the carbon monoxide contained in cigarette smoke can interfere with the supply of oxygen in the blood, worsening diabetes and complications.

Cigarettes that cause so many diseases!

Even if you want to quit, it's not easy to overcome withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms are symptoms that appear in the process of the body restoring function without nicotine.

Symptoms are maximum one to two days after the start of smoking cessation and usually gradually decrease after about a month.

Withdrawal symptoms appear in both physical and psychological aspects.

Physical symptoms include headache/dizziness (caused by the cessation of nicotine after causing vasoconstriction),

cough/sore throat (increases as lungs and airways go through the purification process),

the dry mouth (the temporary effect of the body adapting to a new state),

There are indigestion/degenerative bowel movements, etc.

Psychological symptoms include anxiety (suspended nicotine and a sharp drop in dopamine levels),

Depression (disappointment due to nicotine discontinuation),

irritation and anger (caused by stress from managing nicotine becoming harder to manage),

There is a decrease in concentration (Nicotin temporarily improves concentration, but stops and decreases concentration).

So what can I do to resolve withdrawal symptoms?

There are various methods such as steady exercise, sufficient moisture/sleep, and unsweetened chewing gum, but there are also methods such as limiting alcohol and caffeine, using mouthwash, and using humidifiers and lip protectors.

In addition to this, medication (taking varenicline or bupropion) or getting professional help is also a big help.

Quitting smoking improves lung function (reducing cough and phlegm and improving breathing),

Improve cardiovascular health (blood pressure and heart rate return to normal),

Sensory improvement (improved taste and smell)

Improving skin health (clearing skin and reducing wrinkles)

There are positive effects such as improving overall health (reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, etc.).

Quitting smoking is an important option to protect your health and your family and improve your quality of life.

World No Tobacco Day! I hope you try quitting smoking today.