Can Blood and Urine Tests Detect Smoking? Understanding Nicotine's Half-Life
Smoking and blood and urine tests? At the beginning of the university semester, health checks are required, including blood and urine tests. I smoke; can these two tests detect smoking? What is the half-life of nicotine? How long should I refrain from smoking before the tests to ...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Blood and urine tests can detect metabolites related to tobacco, but these are not commonly used methods for assessing smoking habits. A more frequently used method to determine smoking status is the carbon monoxide measurement, which is typically offered at smoking cessation cli...[Read More] Can Blood and Urine Tests Detect Smoking? Understanding Nicotine's Half-Life
Concerns About Cancer: A Journey from Smoking to Quitting
Suspecting that you have cancer? I have been smoking for over a year, and recently I've been worried that smoking has caused health issues, so I want to quit. I started smoking due to stress, and the amount increased from one or two cigarettes a day to a pack every two days....
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you consult and seek medical care at a smoking cessation clinic (or pulmonology department). Thank you.[Read More] Concerns About Cancer: A Journey from Smoking to Quitting
Understanding Diarrhea During Smoking Cessation: Causes and Solutions
Smoking cessation diarrhea Hello, Doctor. I have been smoking for 30 years, about 30 cigarettes a day. I am currently trying to quit smoking, and I am experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness and difficulty concentrating. I am using 4 mg nicotine gum, ...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
A small number of people may experience diarrhea as a side effect of using chewable tablets, but there is no need for excessive concern. Generally, as the duration of use increases, the body will gradually adapt, and the diarrhea will improve.[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea During Smoking Cessation: Causes and Solutions
Is 16 Weeks of Continuous Use of Smoking Cessation Medication Safe?
Chantix should be taken for 16 weeks continuously? I started taking Champix on March 31 of this year. I quit smoking on April 23, but relapsed on May 14 and started quitting again on May 19. I plan to continue with a second course for another 8 weeks to gradually adjust. I would ...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Adverse effects of medications can vary from person to person. Since you have previously completed a course of Gabapentin, you should be able to assess its impact on you. Common side effects of Gabapentin may include gastrointestinal discomfort, and some individuals might experie...[Read More] Is 16 Weeks of Continuous Use of Smoking Cessation Medication Safe?
Overcoming Smoking Addiction: Strategies for Lasting Success
Repeated failures in quitting smoking? Hello Doctor, I have been smoking for 11 years, about a pack a day. In the past four years, I have tried to quit smoking four times using medications like Chantix, patches, gum, and inhalers, but I have repeatedly failed. The longest I manag...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Dear Mr. R: Depression can often lead to feelings of pessimism and helplessness, resulting in negative thoughts. You may want to discuss with your physician how effective treatment for depression can help you approach smoking cessation with a more positive attitude. In the past, ...[Read More] Overcoming Smoking Addiction: Strategies for Lasting Success
Overcoming Smoking Addiction: Tips for a Successful Quit Journey
About Smoking Cessation Hello Doctor: I have been smoking for nearly 10 years. Due to work commitments, I can only smoke during lunch breaks and after work, about 5-10 cigarettes a day (I tend to smoke more when I feel anxious or stressed). Recently, after having a tooth extracti...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello, everyone: Most smokers have thought about quitting smoking in the past year, but less than half have actually taken action. Don't be afraid of failure when it comes to quitting; the real fear lies in not taking action and constantly making excuses. As long as we are w...[Read More] Overcoming Smoking Addiction: Tips for a Successful Quit Journey
Understanding Smoking Cessation: Medication vs. Education for Success
Differences in Smoking Cessation Education Hello, doctor! I have been smoking for 15 years. Recently, due to health concerns and the fact that I am not married yet, I have been thinking about having children in the future, so both my boyfriend and I want to quit smoking. However,...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Both options are fine; providing medication along with smoking cessation education tends to be more effective. Generally, smoking cessation clinics also have smoking cessation educators available to provide guidance. 2. Most indoor spaces in workplaces, government agenc...[Read More] Understanding Smoking Cessation: Medication vs. Education for Success
Understanding Sleep Issues During Smoking Cessation: A Guide
Smoking cessation issues Hello... My boyfriend is currently trying to quit smoking... he is 27 years old... he has been smoking for over 10 years... about half a pack a day... today marks the 4th day of his quitting journey... but he has been having difficulty sleeping during the...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello: Some individuals may experience insomnia when they start quitting smoking, but this usually does not last more than a week. It is recommended to engage in some light exercise before sleep and to maintain a relaxed mindset. Typically, as time passes, the physical improvemen...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues During Smoking Cessation: A Guide
Understanding Lung Health: Smoking Cessation and Remedies for Young Adults
Lungs and respiration Hello, Director Tsai Fu-shun. I would like to ask you, I am currently 18 years old and have been smoking for 4 years. In the past 2 years, I have been smoking almost 2 packs a day. Recently, I bought Zhengxing Tai Jiawei Jiupai San from the pharmacy. I would...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
1. Why shouldn't adolescents smoke? Because the lungs are still developing before the age of seventeen or eighteen, with rapid cell division and proliferation, making the genetic material (DNA) more susceptible to damage. Smoking during this period significantly increases th...[Read More] Understanding Lung Health: Smoking Cessation and Remedies for Young Adults
Understanding Smoking Cessation: Symptoms, Risks, and Health Checks
Examination, withdrawal symptoms? I have been smoking for over 8 years (almost 9 years), starting at the age of 13 and quitting for a year and a half. I read online that some people quit smoking without any withdrawal symptoms, but it could be a precursor to cancer. I would like ...
Dr. Liu Yanxing Reply:
Quitting smoking for a year and a half is quite an achievement; please continue. As for the lack of withdrawal symptoms and its relation to cancer, there's no need to worry too much. If you're still concerned, please schedule regular check-ups with a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Smoking Cessation: Symptoms, Risks, and Health Checks
Overcoming Smoking Cessation Challenges: Tips for Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Smoking cessation issues Doctor: Hello! I quit smoking on my own for about 10 days. During that time, when I felt the urge to smoke, I would take a few puffs and then extinguish it, doing this about once a day. After the third or fourth day of quitting, I noticed that I was exper...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
1. You can directly consult with the healthcare professionals at the smoking cessation clinic to determine if it is related to medication or possibly withdrawal symptoms. 2. You may also consult with a psychosomatic medicine specialist.[Read More] Overcoming Smoking Cessation Challenges: Tips for Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Am I Addicted to Smoking? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Is this a nicotine addiction? Hello, I am currently a high school freshman. Recently, out of curiosity, I tried smoking cigarettes. I smoked about ten cigarettes, usually one or two a day. Later, due to my age, I stopped smoking. However, after not smoking for two days, I started...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello! Generally, individuals who use heroin need to continue for two weeks or longer before developing noticeable withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, the onset of nicotine withdrawal symptoms may take a similar or even longer duration. When addictive substances enter the body, the...[Read More] Am I Addicted to Smoking? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Why Do I Experience Chest and Abdominal Pain When Quitting Smoking?
Chest and abdominal pain without smoking? Hello, doctor! I started smoking in the first year of junior high school. Recently, I want to quit smoking, but after not smoking for 3 to 4 days, I start to experience chest and abdominal pain. My father has the same issue. Why does this...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
These symptoms may be due to withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine metabolism. It is recommended to visit a hospital or clinic's smoking cessation program for evaluation.[Read More] Why Do I Experience Chest and Abdominal Pain When Quitting Smoking?
Severe Headaches in Week Three of Quitting Smoking: Is It Normal?
Severe headaches in the third week of smoking cessation? Hello Doctor, I have been sober from alcohol and cigarettes for 21 days. During the first two weeks, I experienced numbness in my hands and feet upon waking up. By the third week, I started to have headaches every morning (...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello Dori, I am very pleased to hear that you have started to quit smoking and drinking, as this is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. It's important not to give up halfway. Common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, anxiety, depression, diffic...[Read More] Severe Headaches in Week Three of Quitting Smoking: Is It Normal?
Overcoming Smoking Addiction: Strategies for Long-Term Success
Smoking cessation issues I have been smoking for 20 years, consuming 2 to 3 packs a day, and I have always believed that smoking is an addiction. Therefore, I have been trying to quit on my own, but smoking will not stop by itself. I went to a smoking cessation clinic, and the do...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello, I am glad to receive your letter. From what you mentioned, you have successfully refrained from smoking for two days, and I congratulate you on that! Please continue to maintain this progress. If you can persist in quitting smoking, it will not only benefit your health bu...[Read More] Overcoming Smoking Addiction: Strategies for Long-Term Success
Understanding Mood Swings During Smoking Cessation: Causes and Solutions
Mood changes when quitting smoking? Hello, I started smoking out of curiosity when I was 18 years old, and now I want to quit because I feel that my gums are somewhat receding, which is unappealing. Today is the fourth day of my quitting journey. I completely refrained from smoki...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ai: Smoking is associated with nicotine addiction. If someone who has been smoking for a long time suddenly decides to quit, they may soon experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, restlessness, low mood, insomnia, and c...[Read More] Understanding Mood Swings During Smoking Cessation: Causes and Solutions
Effective Strategies to Help Your Boyfriend Quit Smoking
How to quit smoking My boyfriend smoked for the first time yesterday and ended up smoking 7 cigarettes, which made him feel dizzy and nauseous. Today, he smoked a few more. What can I do to help him quit smoking?
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
1. Engage in different activities to distract yourself; take a few deep breaths slowly, drink a glass of water; exercise more. 2. Go directly to hospitals or clinics to register for smoking cessation programs.[Read More] Effective Strategies to Help Your Boyfriend Quit Smoking
Understanding Champix: Cost, Availability, and Health Considerations
The use of Jiebishi (戒必適) should be followed carefully I want to help my boyfriend quit smoking, as he smokes about a pack every 2-3 days. I found a lot of information online about smoking cessation medications, but most of it is from 3-4 years ago. I would like to know the curre...
Dr. Qiu Junda Reply:
Hello: 1. Since our hospital does not have this smoking cessation medication, I am not very familiar with the price of Champix (varenicline), but it should be cheaper at the hospital due to subsidies compared to outside pharmacies. 2. There are no specific restrictions regarding ...[Read More] Understanding Champix: Cost, Availability, and Health Considerations
How to Encourage Your Father to Quit Smoking Despite His Fears
How to encourage a father to quit smoking? A doctor once told my father that quitting smoking would lead to death. Now, whenever anyone (even his closest friends, family, or his pulmonologist) advises him to quit or reduce smoking or to take medications related to smoking cessati...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xiao: Since I am not that physician, I cannot fully understand what happened to your father at that time. Generally speaking, a well-educated physician should encourage their patients to quit smoking. It is difficult to comprehend why a physician would tell your fathe...[Read More] How to Encourage Your Father to Quit Smoking Despite His Fears
Can Nicotine Inhalers Help While Using Champix for Quitting Smoking?
Jiabisi + Nicotine Inhaler Hello doctor, I would like to ask if it's possible to use a nicotine inhaler as a substitute for smoking when cravings occur while taking Champix.
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xiang: When using the medication Chantix for smoking cessation, it is not recommended to use nicotine replacement therapy simultaneously.[Read More] Can Nicotine Inhalers Help While Using Champix for Quitting Smoking?