LIVING WELL WITH ILD
Quit smoking
Stopping smoking can slow the progression of your ILD. You should also stay away from sources of second-hand smoke (other people smoking near you).
Quitting smoking is difficult for most people, but there is help. There are different nicotine-replacement therapies and medications that can be used on their own own or in combination. Your healthcare team can help create a plan to quit smoking that includes methods to manage cravings and withdrawal.
For more information, see How to Quit Smoking.
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Consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Patches, gums, sprays or lozenges that contain nicotine can provide your body with the nicotine it craves while you quit.
- NRTs are available over the counter (no prescription needed).
- You can use more than one type of NRT or combine NRT with medication and/or other stop-smoking aids like support groups or counselling.
- The evidence to support vaping as a smoking cessation tool is inconclusive.
Consider medications
- You can also ask your healthcare provider about what medications are available to help you quit.
- Champix© (varenicline). This medication blocks the affects of nicotine in your brain so you don’t want to smoke. A prescription is required for this medication.
- Zyban© (burpropion). It isn’t known exactly how this medication works to help you quit smoking. It can help you deal with the withdrawal affects of quitting. A prescription is required for this medication.
- Medication works best when paired with counselling. Quitting with the help of counselling and medication will give you the best chance to quit smoking for good.
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You may also be interested in:
- Living Well with Interstitial Lung Disease (printable fact sheet)
- Living Well with Interstitial Lung Disease (printable checklist)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Patient's Perspective (video)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Doctor's Perspective (video)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Caregiver's Perspective (video)
- Breathe BETTER, Stay STRONG Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation program