Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the alveoli or air sacks in the lungs. Emphysema may reduce the elasticity of the lungs and may result in the collapse of the bronchioles. As this happens, air cannot leave the alveoli and the function of the lungs is severely hampered. The lungs may lose their ability to shrink during exhalation, reduced exhalation may also reduce the amount of air that is inhaled. Because of this condition, waste air is not easily removed from the lungs and oxygen-rich air is not restored. Individuals with emphysema may have a hard time breathing and oftentimes gasp for air. Emphysema is most common among individuals aged 50 and older and may occur with other respiratory disease like bronchitis.

Heavy cigarette smoking is the primary cause of emphysema, causing about 80-90 percent of all emphysema cases. Pipe, cigar, and marijuana smoking may also damage the lungs and cause emphysema. Some experts suggest that marijuana may cause much severe damage because it inhaled deeply inhaled by smokers. Another cause of this condition is a deficiency of enzymes called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). Lack of these enzymes may cause chronic uninhibited tissue breakdown that may lead to the manifestation of emphysema.

The symptoms of emphysema may develop gradually over many years. Many individuals with emphysema become aware of this condition when they have already lost over half of the functioning of their lung tissue. These symptoms may include the following:

shortness of breath
skipped breaths
sleeping difficulties
chronic fatigue
swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
wheezing
excess mucus production

Despite the presence of modern technology and medical advancement, treatments for emphysema are not able to cure or reverse the damage to the lungs. These treatments are only designed to relieve the symptoms, slowdown the progression of the disease, and alleviate possible fatal complications that may develop. The first step in treating emphysema is for smokers to quit smoking to prevent further damage to the lungs.

Aside from acquiring emphysema certain conditions like cataract, macular degeneration, psoriasis, tooth loss, osteoporosis, and many more may be increased by smoking. However, it is never too late to quit smoking. Stopping the habit can make a difference in one’s cardiovascular and overall health. Individuals who are having a hard time cutting the habit may try using quit smoking products in the market. These products however cannot do all the work, the best and effective to quit smoking involves determination, discipline, and commitment to stop the habit permanently. Using these products can help smokers cut the habit by making them more comfortable and complacent to adjust to lives without cigarettes. Many quit smoking products are available over the counter, it is best to seek the approval of health professionals to clarify side effects and drug interactions that may be developed while under medication. With the right tools and attitude, quitting smoking and reducing the development of heart diseases can be easier than others think.

1. Self-conditioning therapy

Lucky for some smokers, they do not need to undergo any treatment or medication to quit smoking for they are able to condition or handle their cravings. Conditioning one’s mind to avoid smoking works if the person is serious in quitting the habit.

2. Telephone-based therapy

As part of the massive campaign for anti-smoking, programs like telephone-based therapy are introduced as aid for the public in their course of retiring from the habit of smoking. In this type of therapy, smokers are given the chance to talk with specialists who are well-trained to conduct counseling with individuals who want to quit smoking.Smokers who adhere in telephone-based therapies are basically given a quit plan that corresponds to their smoking conditions. This program is actually a superb complementary treatment as it gives better results when taken side by side with conventional anti-smoking treatments. Counselors are able to guide smokers in determining the things and situations they should avoid in order to have a successful quitting process.

3. Support from family members and friends

It is proven in smoking-related studies that support from family members and friends plays an important role in the speedy process of quitting from the smoking habit. It is essential for support providers to be sincere and understanding enough to the situation of their loved ones who want to refrain from smoking for good. Aside from family and friends, other sources of support are co-workers, therapists, as well as colleagues from quitting programs.

4. Quit programs

Perhaps the best thing about joining quit programs is that a person gets to be around smokers who are also serious about ending their addiction to smoking. Quit smoking programs provide basic smoking facts and guide smokers in coping in the process of quitting from the habit. These programs are also great providers of support and encouragement in refraining from smoking.

One-on-one counseling is claimed to be one of the most effective therapies in quit smoking programs, for it holds strong therapy intensity. Effectiveness of an anti-smoking therapy is based on how intense the programs are. Hence, a greater chance of quitting success for those who undergo intense healing therapies.

On the other hand, smokers should also be wary when choosing stop smoking programs for there are institutions that advertise false benefits. Programs that should be avoided are those who promise instant success once availing their services; those who use pills or other medications as part of their treatments; as well as those that are unwilling to provide references for their services.

1. Make quitting smoking your number one goal. Rather than having a long list of different goals, make quitting smoking your number-one top priority. By focusing on quitting smoking as your most important goal, you increase your chances of success.

2. Keep the end result in mind. Focus on how much better your life will be as a non-smoker. Think about how you’ll be able to breathe better and your energy level will increase. Imagine all the things you can do with the money
you’ll save each year by not purchasing cigarettes. And most importantly, focus on how you’ll add many; many healthy years to your life, so you can do all the things you’ve wanted to do, spending time with people you care about. Make a long list of all the positive benefits of being a non-smoker!

3. Make it easier on yourself. Think of ways that you can make quitting easier for yourself. Can you quit with a friend or family member? Could you ask a co-worker to go for a quick walk with you on breaks and avoid the smoking area? Could you take a smoking cessation class? Could you learn self-hypnosis? Could you stock up on fruit, veggies, or sugar free gum?

4. Make a commitment to yourself. Plan the date and time that you will smoke your last cigarette. Make this promise to yourself as if your life depends on it. Why? Because it does! Write down the “sneaky tricks” that could try to lure you in for “just one” smoke (you know, the things that have triggered you in the past). Write down your strategy for outsmarting these sneaky triggers.

5. Put your plan in writing. Write down everything you’ve thought of while reading this article, plus any other ideas that you believe will help you to remain smoke free. More ideas: stay away from other smokers for a while; get rid of your cigarettes and ashtrays; ask a friend to call you every day for moral support.

6. Flip off negative thoughts like a switch. Instead of thinking, “This is hard” change it to “Its getting easier and easier”. You could even come up with your own mantra. My favorites: “I take care of health.”; “I can handle this.”; “I can do it!” Have a positive statement you can say to yourself throughout the day to keep you on track.

7. Give yourself rewards. Why not have a quit jar and put all the money that you would have spent on cigarettes in it? You could save up for a tropical vacation or a down payment on that new sports car. Think of a nice reward to give yourself for being smoke free for one day, one week, one month, and so on! Mark them on your calendar so you have something to look forward to.

8. Approach quitting with a “I can. I will. I must.” attitude. If your child or loved one was burning in a building and you were the only one there to get them out, would you just “give it a try?” Would you simply “give it a shot?” Or would you “give it everything you’ve got?” Of course you would do anything and everything, whatever it took. Well, aren’t you worth the same? So approach quitting smoking with the same attitude, because you’re truly saving your own life – you’re worth it!

9. Visualize your way to success. Every morning and evening, close your eyes for a few moments and rehearse in your mind how you will say “no” to any temptations to having a cigarette, and notice how good it feels to be in control of your triggers and urges. Also, picture and imagine yourself as a happy non-smoker for 3 to 5 minutes each day. See yourself as happy, healthy and active doing all the things you love to do.

10. Learn to Manage Stress. Stress is everywhere, and while we think that cigarettes help us to relax, in reality, nicotine is a stimulant to the body. During the first few days of quitting, you will likely have thoughts to have a cigarette when you feel stressed. Learning to take long, deep breaths throughout the day can be a good start. If you can learn to tackle stress, you can tackle kicking the habit much more easily.