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| - Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A post on social media promises 100% guarantee for smoking cessation by using their nicotine chewing gum. The post is regarding Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). We fact-checked and termed it as half true.
The Claim
A social media post claims to guarantee 100% success in quitting smoking by using their nicotine chewing gum. The person featured in the video says that it helped him reduce his smoking greatly.
Fact Check
Smoking is a major global public health issue. With over 8 million premature deaths attributed to it annually, it remains a significant focus for medical professionals and authorities worldwide. This has given rise to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for making people quit smoking.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and how does it work?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy is a method used to help people quit smoking. It works by providing the body with nicotine in a controlled way, but without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. When one stops smoking, their body craves nicotine, leading to withdrawal symptoms like cravings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. NRT helps ease these symptoms by providing nicotine in a safer way. This allows them to gradually reduce their dependence on nicotine while avoiding the harmful effects of smoking. NRT comes in various forms such as patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers. It’s often used as part of a plan to quit smoking and can increase the chances of successfully quitting.
Is it true that nicotine chewing gum can help quit smoking?
Yes, they do help to some extent but guarantee of 100% success rate is not really true. The claim video promises 100% results and that is not true. According to our research Nicotine Replacement Therapy increases the chance of quitting smoking by 50-60%. While nicotine chewing gum can help in quitting smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and potential risks. Firstly, relying solely on nicotine gum may not guarantee success in quitting smoking for everyone.
Moreover, there are potential risks associated with nicotine gum, such as addiction to the gum itself or experiencing side effects like nausea, hiccups, headache, vomiting, jaw muscle ache, sore throat or mouth irritation. Drug interactions are another cause of concern, for instance, not advised for those taking Theophylline, Clozapine, Tacrine or Ropinirole. Besides, it is not recommended for people with uncontrolled blood pressure, stomach ulcer, diabetes, thyroid problems, allergies, severe sore throat or inflammation of the mouth, or disorders of the adrenal gland. To add more, if used improperly or for an extended period, nicotine gum can lead to nicotine dependence.
Quitting smoking is often most effective when combined with other approaches, such as counselling, behavioural therapies, or support groups. These additional strategies can address the psychological and behavioural aspects of smoking addiction, increasing the likelihood of long-term success. Furthermore, seeking support from friends, family, or support groups, along with professional guidance from a doctor or healthcare provider, is essential.
Who should not use nicotine gums?
The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says most adults can safely use Nicotine Replacement Therapy to quit smoking, except for pregnant women and teens. But it’s crucial to discuss with your doctor first to consider any medical issues. Using NRT while still smoking or using tobacco isn’t recommended, and it’s best to get advice from a healthcare provider if you’re considering it. NRT might not work for people who smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, but talk to your doctor about options if you’re a light smoker and want to quit.
What are the consequences of smoking?
Smoking can have serious consequences, not only for smokers but also for those around them. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Breathing problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common among smokers. Smoking can harm nearly every organ in the body and reduce life expectancy.
Moreover, exposure to secondhand smoke, which is the smoke breathed out by smokers and the smoke from burning cigarettes, can be harmful. This is especially for children and non-smoking adults. It can increase the risk of respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants.
Furthermore, there’s growing evidence of the harmful effects of thirdhand smoke, which is the residue left behind on surfaces, furniture, and clothing after smoking has occurred. This residue can release toxins into the air and react with other chemicals to form harmful compounds. Prolonged exposure to thirdhand smoke may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory problems, and other health issues, particularly in children and vulnerable individuals.
Why is it important to quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is crucial for maintaining good health. Smoking harms almost every part of the body and can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. It also causes breathing problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, smoking can reduce life expectancy by several years.
Smoking cessation lowers the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. It improves lung function, blood circulation, and immune system function. Additionally, it can lead to better physical fitness, increased energy levels, and improved sense of taste and smell.
When you quit smoking, it not only benefits your health but also the health of those around you. It’s never too late to quit, and there are many resources and support available to help you succeed in quitting tobacco.
How does tobacco impact global health?
Tobacco poses a major threat to public health worldwide, causing the deaths of over 8 million people annually (as of November 2023). Of these deaths, more than 7 million result from direct tobacco use, while approximately 1.3 million are attributed to non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
All forms of tobacco use are harmful, with no safe level of exposure. Cigarette smoking is the most prevalent form of tobacco use globally, although other products like waterpipe tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, and various smokeless tobacco products are also used.
Approximately 80% of the 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide reside in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is most severe. Tobacco use contributes to poverty by diverting household resources away from essential needs such as food and shelter. This spending pattern is challenging to change due to the addictive nature of tobacco. Hence, Nicotine Replacement Therapy is extremely important.
What does the expert say?
We asked Dr Snigdha (BDS, MDS Oral Medicine & Diagnostic Radiology) about NRT, she says, “I strongly advise against smoking and encourage everyone to quit tobacco for the sake of their health. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. Nicotine Replacement Therapy can be helpful in quitting smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It’s important to be aware that NRT has its limitations. Some people may find it challenging to comply with the treatment regimen, and there can be side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications to consider. That’s why it’s crucial to seek guidance from a doctor before starting NRT.”
She further explains, “In addition to NRT, support groups, family, and friends can play a crucial role in your journey to quit smoking. Support from loved ones and healthcare providers can provide encouragement and assistance when facing challenges. Remember, quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health.”
We also got valuable insights from Dr Pooja Sharma (BDS, MDS Orthodontics) upon NRT, she says, “I want to stress the importance of quitting smoking for your overall health. Smoking can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, lung cancer, stroke to name a few. It’s crucial to take steps to quit smoking as soon as possible.
Dr Sharma continues further, “While Nicotine Replacement Therapy can be helpful in quitting smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it’s essential to understand that it may not work for everyone. Recent studies have shown that NRT, such as nicotine patches or gum, may not be as effective for everyone and could have side effects or interactions with other medications. That’s why it’s important to consult with a doctor before starting NRT to ensure it’s the right choice for you. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can also be beneficial when you are trying to quit. Having a strong support system can provide encouragement and motivation.”
To conclude, we would reiterate that while nicotine chewing gum can be a helpful tool in quitting smoking, it’s essential to recognize its limitations and potential risks. Combining it with other cessation approaches, along with seeking support and guidance from healthcare professionals, can enhance the chances of successfully quitting smoking. Read more fact checks about dental health like Can dental anaesthesia vaccinate people without consent?
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