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Dr. Hernández Voth, a specialist in pulmonology and an expert in smoking certified by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), explains in this article which are the most popular treatments to disassociate yourself from tobacco
What are the best treatments to stop smoking?
The treatment that has shown greater effectiveness is the combination of a pharmacological strategy and a cognitive-behavioral strategy, since tobacco addiction is a combination of brain biochemical factors by neurotransmitters, and a social factor or psychological dependence. Treating addiction holistically has been shown to be more successful than treating each one separately.
With which treatments does the patient tend to disassociate himself more from tobacco and why?
Since addiction is multifactorial, treatment must be as well. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is fundamental: the patient must know why he is addicted, what the process of withdrawal is like, and how the treatment that will be prescribed works.
Drug treatment is more diverse: nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patches, gum, candies, and spray), nicotine “replacement” therapy (cytisine), and other drugs that act on brain neurotransmitters (bupropion and other inhibitors) may be used. reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine).
Is iQOS less harmful?
The iQOS is an alternative to conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, it translates I Quit Original Smoking and is Philip Morris International’s commitment to the boom in the commercialization of electronic cigarettes. It consists of a flange made of various metals covered by ceramic that heats glycerin-impregnated tobacco and creates an aerosol that is not combustion, but pyrolysis.
The manufacturer defends that, since there is no tobacco combustion, there is no carcinogenic effect of the conventional cigarette. But the reality is that iQOS releases elements from pyrolysis and thermogenic degradation, which are the same toxic elements found in conventional cigarette smoke. In fact, it is also prohibited in closed places.
Independent studies show that the amount of tar in iQOS is less, but similar to that of conventional cigarettes and, above all, these amounts are enough to cause cancer, so it is no less carcinogenic. The same happens with nicotine, the amounts of iQOS and conventional cigarettes are almost the same, so it has the same ability to create addiction.
In conclusion, the IQOS is neither less harmful nor less addictive than the conventional cigarette. It’s just another way to keep smoking.
During the month of February, there has been an increase in Todacitan. Could you explain what it is about and why it is being talked about?
Cytisine, the generic drug of Todacitan® that is used for smoking cessation, is a partial agonist of nicotine receptors in the brain, stimulating them and reducing craving and withdrawal syndrome and, in turn, blocking the union of nicotine. nicotine receptor.
Cytisine has been used for several years in other European countries and its marketing in Spain as Todacitán® has gained popularity since last February, because the social security has decided to finance this drug, so right now it is difficult to get it in pharmacies .
Contact information:
Dr. Ana Hernández Voth
Ruber International Medical Center
Paseo de la Habana, 43. 28036, Madrid.
Tel.: 91 457 77 64
www.ana-hernandez-voth.com