Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016

Abu Dhabi: Since the start of the holy month, doctors across the capital have noted a marked increase in the number of smokers who wish to give up the harmful habit. And although the decision is a tough one, Ramadan provides the perfect opportunity to quit, while a number of supportive measures can be used to make the process easier, they said.

“In just the last week, I have encountered four people who had been smoking for nearly 20 years that wanted to kick the habit. This is always good news, as the first step to succeeding is making a firm resolve,” Dr Shuker Fares, specialist for cardiothoracic surgery at Al Noor Hospital, told Gulf News.

“What also helps is that the 15-hour fast means that smokers must give up the feel of holding a cigarette. This change in behaviour also makes it easier,” he added.

The hardest aspect about quitting is the effects brought about by nicotine withdrawal, Dr Fares explained. These can include restlessness, anger, anxiety, palpitations, a sense of loss and even vomiting and nausea when severe.

“Nicotine tends to remain in a smoker’s blood, and it is what prompts the addiction. A smoker craves a smoke when the level of nicotine drops, for instance. The important thing to remember is that these withdrawal symptoms do not last forever. And even while fasting, smokers who wish to quit can be given nicotine replacement therapy through prescribed patches,” Dr Fares said.

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, which issues fatwas (Islamic rulings) to help Muslims observe their fast in the correct manner in Ramadan, ruled in 2011 that the use of nicotine patches while fasting is permitted. They are applied on the skin and the effects last for up to 20 hours, depending on the intensity.

“The patches are available at all pharmacies and their cost is not particularly restrictive for those who wish to give up smoking,” said Dr Hossam Eldin, pulmonary and respiratory medicine specialist at Medeor 24X7 Hospital.

Depending on the dosage and brand, a week’s dose can cost between Dh100 and Dh300.

“It is also essential that patients receive counselling and encouragement to quit. Before Ramadan had even started, I saw a number of patients who wished to quit but were concerned about the weight gain and nicotine dependence,” Dr Eldin said.

To them, the doctors said they highlight the overwhelming hazards of smoking, including pulmonary and heart diseases, as well as complications that only increase the longer that they’ve been smoking. In contrast, a smoker’s blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal levels within just 20 minutes of quitting, and breathing becomes easier while energy levels increase within just 72 hours.

“Many also said that they had quit last Ramadan only to take it up again. As doctors, we encourage them saying that quitting can take multiple attempts and if they had done it once, they can really succeed this time around. We also advise on solutions like nicotine replacement therapy,” Dr Eldin added.

by Samihah Zaman Staff Reporter

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