Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms After Quitting Smoking: A Guide
Smoking cessation clinic Hello doctor, I have been smoking and drinking for about 25 years. I quit smoking six months ago, but I feel like my body is getting weaker and I have the following symptoms: 1. I vomit after eating and I tremble, feeling too anxious to speak; the trembli...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello, internet user: During the process of quitting smoking, various physical and psychological symptoms, known as withdrawal symptoms, may occur. Generally, withdrawal symptoms peak in the first few days after quitting and then gradually diminish; it is unlikely for symptoms to...[Read More] Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms After Quitting Smoking: A Guide
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
Why Smoking No Longer Gives You Pleasure: Understanding Nicotine and Nerve Issues
Sudden loss of sensation while smoking may indicate autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello Doctor, I initially started vaping, but after about two months, I suddenly found that smoking did not provide any pleasure from nicotine, nor did I experience any dizziness. Later, I s...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
E-cigarettes typically consist of three main components: a battery, a vaporizing heating coil, and a cartridge containing e-liquid. The e-liquid primarily consists of propylene glycol and glycerin as the main diluents (which can be nicotine-containing or nicotine-free), along wit...[Read More] Why Smoking No Longer Gives You Pleasure: Understanding Nicotine and Nerve Issues
Gentle Approaches to Encourage a Stubborn Parent to Quit Smoking and Drinking
Issues of Alcohol and Tobacco Cessation Hello doctor, my father has been drinking alcohol and smoking for a long time (since before I was born). I would like to ask how I can persuade him to quit drinking and smoking, as he is a very stubborn person with a bad temper. Although I ...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello: Drinking alcohol and smoking both affect physical health, but due to the addictive nature of these substances, individuals who are addicted to alcohol or tobacco often are not willing to seek treatment or find it difficult to maintain abstinence. The key to successfully ov...[Read More] Gentle Approaches to Encourage a Stubborn Parent to Quit Smoking and Drinking
Still Craving After Two Years: Is It Nicotine Addiction or Something Else?
Is it normal to still have cravings for cigarettes after two years of quitting? I have been smoking for about 15 years, and I have been smoke-free for over 2 years now. However, I occasionally experience a tingling sensation in my heart. I have always thought this was a relapse o...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Hello, Mr. Deng! I apologize, but I'm not quite clear on the symptoms you described as "itchy heart." Considering your past smoking habits, I recommend that if you experience any discomfort in your heart, it would be best to consult a pulmonologist or cardiologist ...[Read More] Still Craving After Two Years: Is It Nicotine Addiction or Something Else?
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?
Understanding Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues After Quitting Smoking
Chronic gastrointestinal issues I quit smoking for 10 months last time, and during that period, I experienced persistent bloating and discomfort in my gastrointestinal tract, which led to a poor appetite and some gastroesophageal reflux. I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, w...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
It is recommended that you visit an outpatient clinic where a specialist can evaluate your condition. Based on your diagnosis, the physician will provide the necessary medical examinations and services.[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Gastrointestinal Issues After Quitting Smoking
Secondhand Smoke and Nicotine: Effects on Memory and Detox Foods
Secondhand smoke, nicotine Hello, doctor. My father is trying to quit smoking, and I would like to find a reason to support him. Could you please explain what effects nicotine in secondhand smoke can have on those who inhale it, and whether it can lead to memory decline? Addition...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Hello, In addition to being highly addictive, nicotine can also make the brain more susceptible to addiction to other substances. The primary danger of nicotine is that it can lead to tobacco addiction. When a person smokes, they inhale over 4,000 toxic chemical compounds found...[Read More] Secondhand Smoke and Nicotine: Effects on Memory and Detox Foods
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
Joint Pain and Swelling in Fingers After Quitting Smoking: Causes and Concerns
Swelling and joint pain in the fingers after quitting smoking? I recently quit smoking eight days ago, and around the third day, I woke up with swollen and stiff fingers (similar to congestion), which subsided in about half an hour. However, in the past few days, my finger joints...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
Quitting smoking typically improves joint pain or arthritis. If you experience joint swelling and stiffness after quitting, it may just be a coincidental temporal association. You might want to consider seeking further medical evaluation to identify the cause rather than resuming...[Read More] Joint Pain and Swelling in Fingers After Quitting Smoking: Causes and Concerns
Managing Constipation and Side Effects While Quitting Smoking
Using Chia seeds may cause constipation? Hello, Doctor: I am currently in the second week of using Champix (varenicline) as I have been wanting to quit smoking for a while! I have been smoking for 15 years, about one to one and a half packs a day. I would like to ask a few questi...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
Common adverse events associated with the use of Cabergoline (occurring in more than 10% of patients) include nausea, insomnia, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Constipation is less common, and it is recommended to drink plenty of water.[Read More] Managing Constipation and Side Effects While Quitting Smoking
Is Coughing Normal After Quitting Smoking? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
Coughing after quitting smoking? Hello, doctor. I have been smoking for about 15 years, averaging about a pack every two to three days. I started quitting smoking on New Year's Eve, and it has been about two weeks now. However, I have been experiencing itching in my chest an...
Dr. Cai Fushun Reply:
When quitting smoking, cravings can lead to symptoms such as coughing and dry mouth. These sensations are usually more intense at the beginning and gradually diminish over 2 to 3 weeks. This is primarily due to the lungs clearing out tar. To cope with these symptoms, drinking war...[Read More] Is Coughing Normal After Quitting Smoking? Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms
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
How to Test for Smoking: Methods and Duration of Nicotine Detection
Smoking cessation issues Hello, doctor! I would like to ask about how to test if someone is smoking. I found information online about nicotine testing in blood, urine, nails, and hair. What channels or institutions offer these tests to the general public? How long after smoking c...
Dr. Chen Houliang Reply:
The half-life of nicotine is approximately 2 hours, so typically after 1-2 days of not smoking, the nicotine levels in the body will be similar to those of a non-smoker. To determine whether an individual is currently smoking, it is primarily necessary to measure carbon monoxide ...[Read More] How to Test for Smoking: Methods and Duration of Nicotine Detection
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