Smoking Cessation Specialist

What is Smoking Cessation?

Smoking cessation includes treatment that helps you effectively quit smoking when past attempts to stop have failed. 

When you stop smoking, your risk of chronic lung problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer, decrease. Smoking cessation can reduce ongoing coughing and improve your ability to get a full breath of air.

What are my Smoking Cessation treatment options?

To reduce tobacco cravings and withdrawal symptoms, your Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center provider may recommend one of the following smoking cessation treatments:

Medications

Smoking cessation medications come in a variety of forms, including patches, pills, sprays, gums, injections, and lozenges. Some medicines are prescription only, while others are over-the-counter. Your Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center specialist works with you to develop a medication regimen that best matches your needs.

Behavior change therapy

Counseling, group therapy, and other types of behavior-change strategies can increase your chance of quitting nicotine for good. You might attend counseling sessions weekly or monthly, in-person or over the phone.

What happens during Smoking Cessation?

When you arrive at Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center for smoking cessation, your provider reviews your lifestyle, symptoms, and medical history. They complete a physical examination to assess your breathing and lung function.

Your specialist may recommend you undergo specific lung-function tests, chest X-rays, sputum tests, or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out chronic lung conditions.

They personalize smoking cessation treatments based on your health, lifestyle, and preferences. Your specialist may combine medications with individual or group counseling to maximize your chance of success. They follow up with you periodically to ensure your treatment works as designed.

How long does Smoking Cessation take?

The length of time smoking cessation takes varies, as every patient is different. It may take several weeks, months, or longer in some cases. If you have a relapse and start smoking again, don’t give up on quitting smoking. It may take several tries before you’re able to stop for good.

If you struggle to quit smoking on your own but would like to improve your health and quality of life, turn to Prime Pulmonary & Sleep Center. Call the nearest office or book a smoking cessation appointment online today.