Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Effects of Smoking and Need for Cessation: Biochemical and Pharmacological Feedback

Adak M

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and diminishes a person’s overall health. Millions and millions of peoples have health problems due to habit of smoking. It is now a burden worldwide because smoking addiction of teenagers increasing immensely. Globally, smoking is not only a leading cause of cancer as well as various heart diseases. Smoke contains several carcinogenic pyrolytic products like Polycyclic Aroma0tic Hydrocarbons (PCAH), acrolein etc. are irreversibly binds to DNA, causes genetic mutation and cancer. Various methods exist which allow a smoker to see the impact of their tobacco use, and the immediate effects of quitting. Using biochemical feedback methods include breath carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring, cotinine (metabolite of nicotine) can allow tobacco-users to be identified and assessed, and the use of monitoring throughout an effort to quit can increase motivation to quit. Pharmacologic smoking cessation aids like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, varenicline, cytisine etc. are recommended for all smokers trying to quit. Varenicline appears to be more effective than other available pharmacologic smoking cessation aids. Offering the choice of pharmacologic therapy in addition to supportive counseling, which is now available in the market, should help family physicians achieve greater success assisting their patients with smoking cessation. Family physicians should share the evidence with patients and encourage them to use pharmacologic therapy and counseling to improve the likelihood of success.