Smoking is known to be a key factor in causing various deadly diseases. Respiratory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases are all caused or exacerbated by smoking. In fact, the effects of smoking are not limited to smokers alone. Passive smokers can be equally affected, as they can also tend to suffer from diseases like heart and lung cancer. A recent study conducted in the UK has revealed a shocking fact. It states that nearly 120,000 deaths occur in the UK because of smoking per year – motivation enough for people to want to encourage smokers to stop smoking.
The study further says that numerous types of cancers are also linked with smoking. Doctors say that throat, mouth, and stomach cancer are directly associated. Smoking alone causes almost 90% of cancer related disease and 30% of strokes – this is due to smoking narrowing the arteries potentially leading to strokes. In fact doctors say that the risk of a smoker suffering a stroke is 20 times higher than a non-smoker. Other than cancer and strokes, breathing problems also develops due to smoking with Emphysema and chronic bronchitis tending to be problems that commonly develop among smokers.
Smoking can cause severe harm to our bodies. In many countries, governments are taking necessary steps to discourage people from smoking. Some of the steps include a hike in the price of tobacco and other related items, banning smoking in public areas and carrying statutory warnings in all tobacco products.
In the field of medical science, researchers and scientists are trying to find medicines that will help people in quitting this dangerous habit effectively. Among many efforts, Champix is one of the new medications that can help people to stop their smoking habits. Champix can work very effectively. Varenicline, one of its active ingredients is known to bind with the nicotine receptors in brain and this can satisfy the nicotine receptors. This way, the brain should no longer send craving signals that will lead the smoker to light a cigarette. Within a short period of 12 weeks the person should be able to kick the smoking habit.
The clinical trial result of Champix show that almost 45% of patients are successful in giving up their smoking habits. Champix comes in the form of a tablet and it is very easy to take.
Doctors suggest that the dosage should be built up gradually, starting from .5 mg once every day to two dosages of 1.0 mg within a certain period of time. Usually, the full course of Champix will consist of 12 weeks, although depending on the response of the patient, this time period might be extended.
Even though smoking causes serious health problems, the good news is that the damage can be reduced with smoking cessation. With treatments like Champix, smokers can get help to quit their smoking habits.